25 spots available in Utah Autism Waiver program
By Jessica Ivins
November 17th, 2014 @ 8:39pm
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 whove 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 childs, and the child must have no more than $2,000 in his or her name.
For this program, parents dont have to meet financial eligibility guidelines, said Kolbi Young with the Utah Department of Health. Its based upon the childs 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 26. It also covers 10-15 hours of in-home therapy and up to three hours of respite for the family each week.
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25 spots available in Utah Autism Waiver program