July 18 2013 Press Release from State Senator Michael Moore
BOSTON- Today, Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) reported information regarding MassHealth and autism insurance. Currently, Mass Health is not subject to the autism insurance law known as ARICA, however for some individuals with MassHealth there is an upcoming opportunity to purchase private insurance policies with financial assistance that covers some, or potentially all, of the cost of the policy. These private insurance policies are purchased through Commonwealth Choice, and are subject to the autism insurance law. By purchasing a policy, people with just MassHealth are able to access the benefits mandated by ARICA. The window to purchase private insurance policies through Commonwealth Choice is July 1- August 15.
“With new advances in medical science today, we are becoming more aware of autism and the difficulties to families to provide proper care. MassHealth’s premium assistance program will allow families to provide essential care for individuals with autism, regardless of income constraints,” said Senator Moore.
MassHealth has a premium assistance program, which can assist with costs pertaining to private insurance premiums. This program is called MassHealth Standard and CommonHealth Premium Assistance Program (MSCPA). To obtain private insurance through Commonwealth Choice, utilizing premium assistance, individuals must first contact the premium assistance program for an application and direction regarding how to proceed.
Premium Assistance contacts are Lekecia Powell-Watkins at Lekecia.Powell-Watkins@Umassmed.edu or (617) 886-8263 and Samantha Laskey at Samantha.Laskey@Umassmed.edu or (617) 886-8058. They can verify information such as how much premium assistance is available for individuals and families, process the application and coordinate a start date for the private insurance. Once confirmed, the individual must contact Commonwealth Choice to apply, which may be done by visiting http://www.mahealthconnector.org or by calling 1-866-636-4654.
The following are suggestions regarding applying for Commonwealth Choice:
- Take into account the insurance needs of the entire family. If there are questions about the status of a family member’s MassHealth, assistance can be obtained by calling the Health Care for All Helpline (800-272-4232).
- Does the parent want to apply for Commonwealth Choice for just the child or the entire family?
- Families will want to select a Commonwealth Choice plan carefully. Most will want a plan that enables them to keep current medical providers as well that will enable their child to access services through ARICA.
In short, before applying for Commonwealth Choice, the family needs to know how much premium assistance they have and the cost of the insurance plans.
Once you receive the on-line confirmation from Commonwealth Choice, you may fax or email the information to premium assistance. Senator Moore recommends that constituents follow-up with a phone call to premium assistance 3 business days after submitting forms to confirm that all materials were received and they have everything they need.
For more information about the Autism Insurance Law, contact the Autism Insurance Resource Center at www.disabilityinfo.org/arica or by calling 781-642-0248.
UPTON DAILY 