Autism and Health Insurance in California

AUTISM - HEALTH INSURANCE in California AUTISM INSURANCE MANDATE IN CALIFORNIA What It Means Fully-funded insurance plans regulated by the state must provide coverage for autism Behavioral health treatment is covered for pervasive developmental disorders, including autism Who Is Eligible Eligibility is determined by medical necessity. not age If an adult child is still considered a Medical Dependent, he may still be covered by his parents insurance What Is Covered Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other evidence-based programs Speech and occupational therapy A LOOK AT ABA What It Is Uses specific methods to effect positive and socially significant changes in behavior Has been in use for children with autism for over 50 years Nearly 50% of children who receive intensive ABA services for 2-4 years are able to function independently by the time they are in general education 1st or 2nd grade classrooms Can be used across environments to ensure generalization Benefits Safe, effective, and non-medical treatment for autism Helps people with autism lead happier, more productive lives Parents quickly learn effective ways to teach their child Fosters essential skills, including: YY Looking Listening Imitating Reading Conversation Seeing other perspectives PROVIDED BY: STAR«CA WWW.STARAUTISM.ORG SOURCES: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/appliled-behavior-analysis-aba http://www.autismhealthinsurance.org/resources/which-states-have-autism-mandates http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/health/Questions-Answers-California-New-Autism-Insurance-Mandate-161286345html http://www.asha.org/Advocacy/state/States-Specific-Autism-Mandates/ http://www.ncbinlmnihgov/pubmed/16212446