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SALT LAKE CITY — A unique program designed to help Utah families affected by autism began accepting applications Monday.
The state-funded Medicaid Autism Waiver program provides personal, in-home treatment for children who’ve been clinically diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The program serves about 290 Utah children a year, and slots can be difficult to come by.
The Utah Department of Health opened enrollment for 25 available spots on Monday. For the next three weeks, parents of eligible children can submit applications. Applicants will be randomly selected using a lottery system, and parents of those chosen will be notified by the state.
To qualify, the child must be between the ages of 2 and 6 and meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid. The unique thing about this program, however, is that the only income taken into consideration is that of the child’s, and the child must have no more than $2,000 in his or her name.
“For this program, parents don’t have to meet financial eligibility guidelines,” said Kolbi Young with the Utah Department of Health. “It’s based upon the child’s income, so there are many, many children who qualify who would not otherwise qualify for traditional Medicaid benefits.”
The Utah Autism Waiver began as a pilot program approved by the state Legislature in the 2012 session. Its success prompted lawmakers to deem it an official program this year.
The Medicaid waiver covers about $29,000 a year of applied behavior analysis therapy for children ages 2–6. It also covers 10-15 hours of in-home therapy and up to three hours of respite for the family each week.
- Child must be between the ages of 2 and 6
- Have an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis from a clinician who is authorized within the scope of their licensure
- Only the child's income and assets are used to determine eligibility for the program
- All other factors of Medicaid eligibility must be met (ex. US Citizen or qualified alien, etc.)
While the waiver is making a difference, it’s still just a dent — only 10 percent of the kids who need this kind of service will get it, Rep. Ronda Menlove, R-Garland — who sponsored the program bill in the 2014 session — told KSL in February.
Behavioral therapy has been shown to help 90 percent of people with autism, and almost half will lose the need for special attention in school, according to the Utah Autism Coalition.
Utah has the second-highest rate of autism in the U.S. — with one in every 54 children in the spectrum — according to a 2104 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7. Those interested can contact the Utah Health Department at 801-538-6357 or visit the website for more information.
Contributing: Ashley Kewish
