New Massachusetts Autism Legislation

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The Massachusetts House and Senate recently passed a bill to extend coverage of autism treatment services under public health insurance plans like MassHealth.  These medically necessary treatments, including Advanced Behavioral Therapy, may now be available to families that would not otherwise be able to afford the services.

This legislation appears to extend services covered under ARICA (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism) to public insurers.  ARICA, signed in 2010, addressed medically necessary treatment for individuals with autism for private insurers.  The legislation awaits final approval by the legislature and Governor.  See the full article at UMass.edu.

Filed Under: Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), ARICA, Autism

New Legislation Would Increase ABA Therapy For Military Families

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I read an interesting article regarding a possible increase in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for military families.  Military families covered under TriCare health insurance are currently capped at 13 hours of therapy per week.  Unfortunately, this is well below the number of hours most practitioners or behavioral therapists recommend.  I am not surprised at this current limit as I have seen some families that have been denied ABA therapy due to health insurance coverage.  It is hopeful to see legislators starting to take notice and take action.  Please see the full article is disability scoop.

Filed Under: Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Autism Legislation