SALT LAKE CITY Autism spectrum disorders affect many families here in Utah. Finding specialized treatment can be tough and expensive.
The Utah Health Department says the Utah Medicaid Autism Waiver Program is in high demand. Each year about 290 kids are accepted, and right now there are 25 open spots.
There are so many children in the state who have autism and are seeking out services, and this program is able to provide that to a number of kids in this state that might not otherwise have resources to receive these types of services, said Kolbi Young with the Utah Department of Health.
Those spots are expected to be taken quickly, but what's different about this program is it's not like traditional Medicaid where the guidelines are very strict in terms of family income and assets.
"For this program parents don't have to meet financial eligibility guideline, so it's based upon the child's income and assets. There are many, many families who qualify who would not otherwise qualify for traditional Medicaid benefits, said Young.
To qualify, a child must be between the ages of 2 and 6 who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and cant have more than $2,000 in his or her name.
The Medicaid waiver covers about $29,000 a year of applied behavior analysis therapy for children ages 26. It also covers 10-15 hours of in-home therapy and up to three hours of respite for the family each week.
There is no waiting list for the program, but the department does have open enrollment approximately two times a year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Utah has the second highest rate of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder with 1 in every 54; nationally its 1 in 68 children.
The program is now accepting applications and will continue to do so through Dec. 7. For more information please contact the Utah Department of Health at 801-538-6357 or go to health.utah.gov/autismwaiver.
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Utah Autism Waiver Program accepting applications