Financial and insurance implications
Caring for a person with autism can be very costly. Treatment may be ongoing throughout the person’s life. The
United States spend $90 billion annually on autism related issues and 90% of this amount is spent on adult
services. That said, it should come as no surprise that autism can be a great financial burden on families and
adults with autism. Families who don’t receive government benefits typically spend about $12,000 yearly to ensure
their autistic child receives the appropriate treatment.
While many people have insurance coverage, a great number of insurance companies don’t cover autism treatments or
cover them to a lesser extent than treatments for other conditions. In fact, research shows that in the year 2000
43% of the families with autistic children were denied coverage for the disorder. That is because autism is
classified as a “mental disorder” and mental disorders are generally not covered to the extent of medical
disorders.
Insurance companies claim that covering autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders would be too costly.
However, studies show that the cost to insurance companies would actually be fairly insignificant while taking a
huge burden off the families themselves.
The best defense against unwarranted expenses is to educate oneself in applicable laws and government services.
Apply for those services and benefits for which your child is qualified and perform a follow-up to make certain
your request is processed. Speak to other parents in the same situation and find out which resources have worked
for them.
It is especially important to look into the question whether or not your adult child with autism will be eligible
for insurance benefits through his or her employer. If so, determine whether the coverage will pay for any autism
treatments he or she is receiving. Because of privacy laws, your child may need to complete paperwork to allow you
to discuss coverage issues with the insurance company. Make certain this paperwork is on file for anyone who will
be assisting your child with medical claims. This, too, should be a provision for which you make arrangements in
your child’s plan for the future.
If your child will not be eligible for health insurance through his or her employer, determine which governmental
aids may be available. Your child may qualify for free health coverage or treatment. Sign your child up for each
and every one of these benefits to ensure his or her needs are completely met.
Financial and insurance implications
Planning a future
Home, Education, Leisure, Work,
Independence & Planning a Future
Asperger's Syndrome in Laymens Terms. Aspergers Checklist
Autism Checklist
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