Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To Jointly Review Any Research Regarding Applied Behavioral Analysis For Adults; And To Develop And Adopt All Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary For The State Medicaid Program To Cover Medically-needed Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Impact
If implemented, SCR130 will lead to the development and adoption of rules, policies, and plan amendments to facilitate Medicaid coverage for ABA services. Currently, reports indicate that individuals over twenty-one with autism and similar conditions are being denied coverage for necessary treatments. The passing of this resolution would therefore enhance access to vital health services and potentially improve the well-being of many adults with neurodevelopmental disorders in Hawaii. Furthermore, it ensures that any new amendments will not impair existing coverage, thereby protecting current beneficiaries.
Summary
SCR130 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the 2022 Legislative Session in Hawaii that proposes a review by the Department of Health and Department of Human Services regarding the coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for adults. The resolution specifically targets individuals aged twenty-one and older with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, to ensure that they have access to medically-necessary services under the state's Medicaid program. The resolution's aim is to ensure that Medicaid, known as Med-QUEST in Hawaii, provides coverage for these critical treatments which can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these disorders.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR130 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for neurodiversity and health services for individuals with disabilities. Supporters of the bill argue that ensuring coverage for ABA further integrates individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders into society and enhances their chances for independent living. However, as the bill navigates through the legislative process, considerations about the implications of ABA treatments may emerge, reflecting a broader debate on the efficacy and ethics of such interventions. Nevertheless, the general tone among health advocates is one of urgency for these necessary treatments to be included in state-funded healthcare.
Contention
Notable points of contention may revolve around the methodologies of ABA, which some critics argue can be controversial due to its implications for therapy practices. Discussions might arise concerning the effectiveness of ABA therapies and their appropriateness for all individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, the concerns about how these policies will be executed and the resources allocated may prompt deeper scrutiny. Such debates could lead to calls for further research on the outcomes of such therapies to ensure the best practices are applied for individuals receiving these services under the state Medicaid framework.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To Jointly Review Any Research Regarding Applied Behavioral Analysis For Adults; And To Develop And Adopt All Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary For The State Medicaid Program To Cover Medically-needed Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Requesting The Department Of Health's State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Data Sharing Working Group To Accelerate And Expand The Sharing Of Real Time Health Information Among Health Care Entities And Government Agencies In The State.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Behavioral Health Curricula Plan For Public School Students In Grades Kindergarten Through Twelve.
Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients In 2032 And Every Ten Years Thereafter.
Requesting The Department Of Health's State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Data Sharing Working Group To Accelerate And Expand The Sharing Of Real Time Health Information Among Health Care Entities And Government Agencies In The State.
Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To: Jointly Review Any Research Applied Behavior Analysis For Adults; Develop And Adopt Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary To Ensure That The State Medicaid Program Covers Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder; And Apply For Any Necessary Approvals From The Federal Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State Medicaid Plan To Provide Reimbursements For Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, To Medicaid-eligible Persons Over The Age Of Twenty-one Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To Jointly Review Any Research Regarding Applied Behavioral Analysis For Adults; And To Develop And Adopt All Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary For The State Medicaid Program To Cover Medically-needed Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder.