Does BCBS CareFirst cover ABA?

[Anonymous]

Anybody know? The Federal employee standard plan?

[Anonymous]

I recall seeing an announcement that it was going to be covered in more (all?) federal plans starting 2017.

Check OPM's website / news releases.

[Anonymous]

It does not currently, but yes, the news is that it will be starting in 2017.

[Anonymous]

Got it, thanks. Has anyone had success with any behavioral therapy or other therapy that is covered? Looking for treatment for our DD who has ASD/ADHD. She needs help with social skills and communication primarily.

[Anonymous]

If you live in the District of Columbia, you will be able to obtain all of those services for your child under the Katie Beckett Amendment, which makes Medicaid the payor of last resort or payor when your primary insurance does not pay, the program is based on medical necessity and child's income NOT parents. Please contact Doreen Hodges, Family Voices of the District of Columbia Inc. 202 681 7761

[Anonymous]

Is there anything similar for Virginia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there anything similar for Virginia.

There are Katie Beckert waiver programs in most (all?) states, including VA and MD. But I am pretty sure there are lengthy wait lists in both VA and MD. These are dependent on state funds and in this case the District is more generous than most places.

[Anonymous]

op here: we live in MD and have heard of the "Autism Waiver" but there is a 8+ year wait list. Is this the same thing, and can you get the waiver right away in DC? If so, we might move, seriously, we are spending a mortgage every month in therapy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:op here: we live in MD and have heard of the "Autism Waiver" but there is a 8+ year wait list. Is this the same thing, and can you get the waiver right away in DC? If so, we might move, seriously, we are spending a mortgage every month in therapy!

Yes same thing. Call the folks mentioned above and talk it through.

You need to balance the benefits of the waiver with school options which most perceive to be superior in Mont Co or Virginia.

[Anonymous]

They do but through their mental health provider which is usually separate. Call them and ask for mental health benefits. We got it overestimate at 60 percent. But fight like hell if they say no. They may force in network but refuse if that isn't right for you. Then they force your private for single case agreements. If that works for your private then great. If not then tell the provider they are denying you benefits you eligible for even if it's out of network. Chose out of network as we found the providers were better

[Anonymous]

I called and they told me they specifically do not, that it is actually written into the plan that aba is not covered. This is through DOJ plan. I'm so confused.