Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver
One of MAC’s long term priorities was the development of the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver Program. The Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver is a program Massachusetts developed to provide intensive in-home services (such as ABA and DIR/Floor Time) for children with autism and other services that will support children who are from low-income families in their homes and communities.
Research demonstrates that children with autism who receive intensive in-home services can make substantial progress, and in some instances acquired skills within typically developing ranges, in areas of social skills, language acquisition, nonverbal communication, and reductions in challenging behaviors.
The program is limited to children between the ages of 0-8 who are Medicaid eligible and at risk of institutionalization now or at some point in the future. Each child is eligible for up to $25,000 worth of services per year. Under the Waiver, the federal government will reimburse Massachusetts 50% for the cost of intensive in-home services.
Status
Massachusetts Advocates for Children continues to conduct legislative and administrative activities to work towards full implementation of the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver which provides intensive in-home services for low-income children at risk of institutionalization.
The Waiver presently has a capacity of 220 children with an extensive waiting list. MAC advocates vigorously for state appropriations to fund the Autism Waiver, which currently receives $4 million in funding from the legislature.
Provider Information