IMPORTANT AUTISM ALERT
Call
your State Senator Now
Ask
them to Support an Increase for the
Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver
(Line item
#5920-3010)
The Commonwealth’s Autism Commission has
recommended increasing capacity and funding for the Children’s Autism Medicaid
Waiver to serve 500 children.
We
propose that the Commonwealth provide an additional $2 million ($5 million total)
in FY14 as a first step toward reaching that goal. The
state will receive federal reimbursement for 50% of the cost of these services,
making the actual cost to the Commonwealth $2.5 million. The House allocated $4 million to the
program this year.
Additional funding for the Children’s Autism
Medicaid Waiver will:
Ø Increase the number of low-income
young children with ASD that receive intensive in-home services (ABA, floor
time, etc.) through the Medicaid Waiver.
Research demonstrates that
children with autism who receive intensive in-home services can make substantial progress, and in some instances
acquire skills within typically developing ranges.
Ø Help
more low-income children and their families receive coverage for services now
covered under private insurance as a result of the Autism Insurance law (ARICA)
Ø Maximize
Federal funds flowing into the state since the Commonwealth will receive federal reimbursement for 50% of the cost of Autism
Waiver services.
Ø Enhance
cost savings measures. Cost-benefit
analysis has shown that if children with autism receive intensive services at a
young age, the savings over time are significant. Estimated cost savings ranging from $187,000
to $203,000 per child ages 3-22 years, and a total lifetime savings range
of 1 to 2 million dollars.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Ø IMMEDIATELY call or e-mail
your Senator and ask them to support a $2 million increase (total $5 million) in
funding for the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (line item #5920-3010 ).
Ø Let them know how important
this funding is for your children or children you know. Give examples of how
services can make a difference in a child’s life
Ø For more information, please contact Tina Fitanides at 617-357-8431 x 244, or tfitanides@massadvocates.org.
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