Families of children with autism should contact OLRS if they experience a reduction in Medicaid benefits
Controversial rules cleared the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) on February 19. These rules will prevent Medicaid reimbursement for certain services provided at center-based programs for children with autism. Medicaid reimbursement will occur only when treatment is provided in other settings, such as at home, in public schools, or in institutions. Families are concerned that school systems will not provide comparable services or programs for their children. Families also feel that school-based programs are insufficient for children diagnosed with severe autism and may force families to place their children in an institution.
OLRS' current priorities include a focus on prevention of undue segregation of people with disabilities and OLRS testified against the rule based on this (and other) concerns. OLRS wants to hear from families if they think their children will lose Medicaid services as a result of the changes to these rules. Families can call David Merry at (voice) 614-466-7264 or 1-800-282-9181; (TTY) 614-728-2553 or 1-800-858-3542, or download an Intake Form from the OLRS Web site (see Need our help?).
The rules, first introduced in 2007, have drawn universal opposition by people with disabilities, their families, and advocacy groups, and have been twice pulled from consideration by JCARR. Last November, OLRS supported those opposing the rules by providing comments to ODJFS suggesting that the limitations in the rules violated several aspects of federal law, including Medicaid and the community integration mandate of Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (see Letter from OLRS commenting on proposed changes and limitations to Medicaid covered services - PDF file).
Article posted February 21, 2008
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