INSURANCE
ARICA
On August 3, 2010, an Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA) was approved by the Governor of Massachusetts and took effect on January 1, 2011. The ARICA law mandates that insurers in Massachusetts provide coverage for the medically necessary treatment of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Several types of services are covered treatments under the ARICA law, including Applied Behavior Analysis, classified as Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care. Services accessed through insurance should focus on skills demonstrated/targeted within the home setting including communication skills, social skills, play/leisure skills, safety skills, self care skills and behavior management. Services cannot be utilized to target academic objectives or to target objectives within the school setting. Accessing services through insurance have no effect on an individual’s Individualized Education Plan.
Several types of services are covered treatments under the ARICA law, including Applied Behavior Analysis, classified as Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care. Services accessed through insurance should focus on skills demonstrated/targeted within the home setting including communication skills, social skills, play/leisure skills, safety skills, self care skills and behavior management. Services cannot be utilized to target academic objectives or to target objectives within the school setting. Accessing services through insurance have no effect on an individual’s Individualized Education Plan.