New autism insurance rules focus of presentation

An informative discussion on changes in health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders in Nebraska will be held on Sept. 25.

Sponsored in part by UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute, the discussion, “What Parents and Service Providers Need to Know About the Nebraska Autism Insurance Law,” will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Durham Research Center Auditorium.

Many changes and updates are taking place due to the passage of LB 254 by the Nebraska Legislature, ACA and new CMS Guidelines. This free event is open to parents, providers, advocates and others, and it will be live-streamed during the presentation.

The session also will be recorded so that individuals who are unable to attend or stream the program on Sept. 25 will be able to watch it online in the future.

Wayne Fisher, Ph.D., director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, will be speaking at the event, as well as Mike Wasmer from Autism Speaks.

The presentation will discuss what will and won’t be covered under the new guidelines.

“There are some policies that are exempt, and those won’t be mandated,” Dr. Fisher said. “But we’re encouraged that a number of companies and organizations that are self-insured, even though they’re not mandated to provide the coverage, are electing to include it.

“For example,” he added, “UNMC has decided to cover its employees for autistic services.”

Topics will include:

  • How to find providers.
  • How to determine eligibility for mandated or voluntary coverage.
  • Practical implementation.

“This is new — there will be some kinks, some issues,” Dr. Fisher said. “And the purpose of this meeting is to circumvent as many as we can.”

For more information or to register for the event, click here.