Is Out-of-network Aba Therapy Covered under Utah’s Autism Insurance Laws?
Yes, out-of-network ABA therapy is covered under Utah’s autism insurance laws. According to the state mandate (SB195), private insurers are required to provide coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals up to age 21. This law applies to both in-network and out-of-network providers, ensuring that families have the flexibility to select specialized experts who may not be contracted directly with their insurance company.
Key details regarding this coverage include:
- Benefits: The mandate requires at least $50,000 in annual benefits for intensive services with no annual limits on therapy hours.
- Reimbursement: Out-of-network services are eligible for partial or full reimbursement. Rates often range from 60% to 80% after the deductible is met, though some plans may reimburse up to 70-90%.
- Requirements: To qualify for coverage, the treatment must be deemed medically necessary by a licensed physician and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
While most private plans and major carriers like SelectHealth and Regence comply with this mandate, certain exceptions may apply to self-insured employer plans or specific small group policies. Families are encouraged to verify their specific benefits with their insurer to confirm reimbursement rates and required documentation.
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