Autism Receives Aid from Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Autism is a disability that affects hundreds of thousands of adults and children throughout the United States.  It is a complicated disability and cannot be treated with a “one size fits all” formula.

Most states have services for children with autism through the school systems, and these services are available through twenty one years of age.  At that point, most states have services available for adults.

Pennsylvania is a state that has been different.  Though it has covered children with autism through age twenty one, Pennsylvania has been lacking in services for adults with autism.  As a result, Pennsylvania has been granted the ability to use a portion of their federal Medicaid to fund services for adults with autism.  $20 million will be made available annually to provide community and home services to benefit adults with autism.  Some services will include respite care for families who are caregivers, as well as crisis intervention. 

Individuals will be qualified for the program and benefits based on their income and the extent of their disability, giving them access to a variety of services.  Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell stated “Prior to the establishment of this waiver program, there was nothing designed for people with autism once they reached the age of 21,.”  This will also help more people with autism live in the community instead of in an institution. 

According to Daniel Torisky, President of the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and secretary of the Autism Society’s state chapter, “The whole idea is to give them a jump start.  It puts tem in line for significant and speedy improvement  and accommodation to the complexities of our society.” 

For those of us who know or have dealt with an individual who has autism and/or their family, this is a wonderful step forward in dealing with a disability that affects many people who can be helped to live a fuller life.

Filed under: General-Medicare

Tags: Adults with Autism, Autism, Autistic, medicaid, Pennsylvania Medicaid