Autism and the Uninsured

Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder can be incredibly intensive and add up very quickly. Robust health insurance is the ideal way to cover these expenses. However, what can you do if you are without insurance? There may be options.

Enrolling in Medicaid

If your family qualifies for Medicaid insurance, this is your first step to health insurance coverage. Medicaid varies from state to state, but it could significantly reduce the cost of medical care, including services related to autism. Programs like Medicaid exist to help the people who need them, and there is no shame in using this state-provided assistance if you are eligible.

Programs for Autism in Early Childhood

Some states have established programs for children three-years-old and younger. Early identification and intervention for autism is in the child’s best interest, and it is also in the interest of the state and its schools since early intervention could lead to better instructional outcomes further down the road.

A handful of states even have benefits for older students. Nevada and New Mexico in particular stand out as especially generous states when it comes to autism care funding. To learn more about your home state’s programs, you can contact the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center.

School-Based Programs

All children in our country are entitled to fair and equitable access to education. According to the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, a school must take “appropriate action” to overcome whatever barriers may exist that impede a student’s “equal participation in its instructional programs.” This means students diagnosed with autism should receive some necessary autism treatment within the school day.

Your child will likely need to complete a series of testing to access these services. Even then, the intervention the school conducts may not be the style or frequency of therapy you’ve hoped for. But something is better than nothing. Be in communication with your child’s school, and try to reach out to other parents in a similar situation at your school for advice about the process.

Other Funding and Cost-Offsetting Measures

If Medicaid, other state programs, and school-based services are not enough to cover your child’s needs, you might explore the idea of grants and scholarships. The organization Autism Speaks has an abundance of information on available grants.

Finally, be sure to speak with therapy providers about other possible assistance. Many will work with parents on payment plans, sliding scales of pricing dependent on household income, or other options. They want children to receive the therapy they need. You never know until you ask. 

Positive Reinforcement not only offers in home ABA therapy for North Virginia, West Virginia including cities like Ashburn, Leesburg, Winchester, Richmond, Centerville.