Save the Date:
The Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center @ Federation is pleased to host a Topical Conference Call about the new Autism Law – An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism, also known as ARICA.
Presented by: Amy Weinstock, Director of the Autism Insurance Resource Center at New England INDEX
Date: Thursday, July 14, 2011
Time: 11 am – 12 noon
Goal: Learn about ARICA, what it does and doesn’t do, and the services that some private health insurers will now cover for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. In addition, Amy will discuss the services and supports provided by the Autism Insurance Resource Center at New England INDEX.
To RSVP: Send an e-mail to massfv@fcsn.org or call the Family-to-Family Health Information Center at 1-800-331-0688, ext. 301. We will send you a toll-free dial in number and the handouts you will need to participate.
Please note: If you have questions about ARICA, please send them with your RSVP so we can pass your questions along to Amy in advance of the call.
Note: This call will be recorded for individuals unable to participate at the time of the call.
I was recently asked to present an update on ARICA to the Governor’s Special Commission Relative to Autism. Highlights from the presentation “Early Returns – The First 100 Days” were as follow:
• Implementation is ongoing at a pace that is consistent, or perhaps a bit faster than the experience in other states that have enacted similar laws
• Consumers and providers have lots of questions:
o Covered treatments
o Credentialing procedures for insurance companies
o Co-pays, deductibles
o Medical vs. Educational
Some of these questions are starting to get clarified, others are raising need for further discussion. My summary observation is that, based on the early returns, ARICA is working pretty much the way it was intended. As with any new legislation, there are some “square pegs and round holes” that we will be continuing to resolve.
For people whose insurance policies are not subject to ARICA (mainly self-insured or “ERISA” plans), we have been working hard on outreach to advocate for employers to include this coverage in their 2012 plans. If you are interested in more information and assistance, please contact us.
For people who have Mass Health, even though Mass Health is not subject to ARICA there are many ways to access some of the treatments in ARICA. One avenue is to purchase a private insurance policy through the Premium Assistance Program. It is important to note that the Commonwealth Choice Open Enrollment period runs from July 1-August 15, 2011. Further information can be obtained from our FAQ sheet, and we are happy to assist with questions.
By the end of June we will have provided over 20 training sessions across Massachusetts to numerous groups and organizations. We will not be holding any trainings in July and August, but the Autism Insurance Resource Center is working on a webinar that will be rolled out during this time frame. We will resume trainings in the Fall – if your group is interested, please contact us.
Amy K. Weinstock
Chair - Insurance Committee
Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM)
1 June 2011
