FAQ: Medicaid, Autism, and ABA
A FAQ from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
On July 7, 2014, CMCS issued an Informational Bulletin (CIB) (see http://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/Downloads/CIB-07-07-14.pdf ) to provide information on approaches available under Medicaid for providing services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this CIB, CMS discussed the various authorities under which services to address ASD could be reimbursed including section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (the Act). Services to address ASD can be covered under three benefit categories: Section 1905(a) (6) Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP), section 1905(a) (13) Preventive Services, and section 1905(a) (11) Therapies.
The informational bulletin also reviewed state obligations under section 1905(a)(4)(B) of the Act, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, where states must cover all medically necessary services for children, including services to address ASD.
Q1: Has CMS mandated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children under 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
A1: No. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one treatment modality for ASD. CMS is not endorsing or requiring any particular treatment modality for ASD. State Medicaid agencies are responsible for determining what services are medically necessary for eligible individuals. States are expected to adhere to long-standing EPSDT obligations for individuals from birth to age 21, including providing medically necessary services available for the treatment of ASD.
Q2:When will CMS begin to assess state compliance with coverage requirements for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
A2: There is no specific time frame for CMS review of state practices in this area. The CMCS Informational Bulletin released July 7, 2014 (see http://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/Downloads/CIB-07-07-14.pdf), related to Autism Spectrum Disorder discusses the obligations under the Medicaid statute and regulations that are already in effect. However, CMS recognizes that states may not have focused on the application of these requirements in this area. As a result, a state may need time to review its current program policies to determine if changes are needed to existing state regulations and/or policy to ensure compliance. States may also want to confer with the stakeholder community for public input on the benefit design of autism services for children. CMS believes states should complete this work expeditiously and should not delay or deny provision of medically necessary services. CMS is available to provide technical assistance to states to ensure the availability of services that children may need.
Q3: Do states need to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) to offer benefits to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
A3: In order to have services reimbursed under the Federal Medicaid program, a service must meet the definition of a coverable service under section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act. Treatment for ASD is not specifically referenced as a section 1905(a) service. However, some treatment modalities, or components of such treatment modalities, are within the scope of the federal Medicaid program under the following service categories: section 1905(a)(6) Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP), section 1905(a)(13) Preventive Services, and section 1905(a)(11) Therapies :. States may provide services to address ASD under each of these benefit categories. States will need to determine what, if any, steps are needed to implement this policy clarification. In keeping with the role of the Medicaid state plan as a comprehensive written statement of the nature and scope of services available under the state’s Medicaid program, a SPA is strongly encouraged to articulate the state’s menu of services for ASD treatment.
Q4: How should a state that has a section 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver that is limited to EPSDT-age individuals but includes services related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that are now available through the state plan respond to this policy clarification?
A4: The ASD-related services should be provided through the Medicaid state plan for the EPSDT-eligible individuals, rather than the 1915(c) waiver. CMS will work with states to ensure that such services are able to be made available under the state plan. Accordingly, CMS with also work with states to remove the service from the 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver at the next amendment or renewal, whichever comes first.
Q5: How should a state that has a section 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver that includes individuals in the EPSDT age group and also individuals beyond their 21st birthday address the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-related services that are now available through the Medicaid state plan?
A5: The ASD-related services for EPSDT eligible individuals (under age 21) must be provided under the Medicaid state plan and not under the 1915(c) waiver. When the state submits the home and community-based services waiver for renewal or amendment, the state should include a restriction under the ‘limits’ section for that specific service indicating that EPSDT-aged individuals are excluded as the services are fully covered in the state plan. ASD-related services for individuals over age 21 may continue to be provided under the 1915(c) waiver.
