DPW Bureau of Autism Services Continues to Take Requests for Applications for Adult Autism Waiver
DPW Bureau of Autism Services Continues to Take Requests for Applications for Adult Autism Waiver
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE - BUREAU OF AUTISM SERVICESwww.autisminpa.org
Important Consumer Update - June 2009
**The Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) continues to take requests for applications for the Adult Autism Waiver **The Waiver has Participants enrolled and receiving services across the Commonwealth
The Adult Autism Waiver was created to serve adults age 21 and over residing in Pennsylvania with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Consumer Applications can be requested by calling 1-866-539-7689 and following the prompts.
The services covered under the waiver are:
Assistive Technology, Behavioral Specialist Services, Community Inclusion, Community Transition Services, Day Habilitation, Environmental Modifications, Family Counseling, Family Training, Job Assessment, Job Finding, Nutritional Consultation, Residential Habilitation, Respite, Supported Employment, Temporary Crisis Services, Therapies (Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy) and Transitional Work Services.
**Medical Assistance eligibility rules are different for individuals who meet the Level of Care determination for the Waiver
Some people have been concerned that they have previously been denied Medical Assistance, and therefore, they will not be eligible for the Waiver. If the individual is 21, has a diagnosis of an ASD, and lives in Pennsylvania, they are encouraged to request an application even if they have been denied Medical Assistance in the past. Participants in waivers are allowed a higher income and resource limit than is allowed for regular Medical Assistance.
**Adults with a diagnosis of an ASD can receive services from this Waiver with or without a diagnosis of MR
An ASD diagnosis is a requirement to be eligible for the Adult Autism Waiver. The individual can have other diagnoses (or only an ASD diagnosis) whether or not ASD is considered primary or secondary. The services are designed to meet the needs of adults with autism. A supports coordinator, chosen by the participant, will help to make sure that all of the challenges a person faces will be considered when a plan for services is made.
**It is very important to provide meaningful provider choice to Waiver Participants
**There are providers in every county in Pennsylvania and the list of enrolled agencies grows every day
We take pride in developing a large network of providers so that from the most urban to the most rural area in Pennsylvania, our Participants have access to the services they need. BAS staff talks every day with new providers interested in the process of enrolling. Ask your Provider if they are enrolled. Providers who need more information should be encouraged to call the toll free number or use one of the other contact methods listed below.
Anyone who has a question, or concern please contact the Waiver Staff - By phone 1-866-539-7689 or visit our website at www.autisminpa.org
or
email us by visiting the Bureau of Autism Services webpage and click on Contact on the website home page.
The Waiver staff is interested in your questions and concerns, and uses this information to help improve our program. All inquires will be addressed by a BAS staff person promptly.