UNMC to host Sept. 25 presentation looking at new autism insurance rules

Wayne Fisher, Ph.D.

Wayne Fisher, Ph.D.

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 the University of Nebraska Medical Center’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 at 45th Street and Dewey Avenue.

Many changes and updates are taking place due to passage of LB 254 by the Nebraska Legislature, the Affordable Care Act, and new guidelines from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The 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, 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. “The purpose of this meeting is to circumvent as many as we can.”

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

Munroe-Meyer Institute is committed to unlocking the potential of children and adults with developmental disabilities and genetic disorders through exceptional patient care, education and research. MMI health care providers annually diagnose and treat more than 10,000 children and adults with special needs.

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu and follow us on social media.

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