Augmentative Communication Insurance

Helpful resources and quotes for your insurance submission and/or appeal:

Action Steps: Managed Care Organizations
By Jenifer Simpson, Senior Policy Associate and Susan Goodman, Esq

Dynavox Systems Funding Guide

Funding for Assistive Technology: Case Studies from the Advocacy Team
Frances E. Pennell, J.D., Policy & Funding Specialist

Getting a Yes from Your Insurance Company
A Program of Illinois Assistive Technology Project

Update on Medicare/Medicaid Coverage for AAC

Using State Insurance Laws to Advance the Cause of Assistive Technology
By Steve Mendelsohn, Esq

In Canada, there are several programs in place to assist families with children who need augmentative communication devices.

ADP - Assistive Devices Program (Ontario Ministry of Health)

Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre AAC Program (Toronto, ON)

The Bob Rumball Foundation for the Deaf - Toronto, ON

Disability Tax Credit (Canada Customs and Revenue)

Medical Expense and Disability Tax Credits and Attendant Care Expense Deduction - Rehabilitative therapy, prescribed devices and equipment, instruction in lip-reading and/or sign language and other covered items and services.

From Technology and Language Center, Inc.

"...In some individuals with a variety of disorders including aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, autism, and cognitive impairment, AAC has been shown to actually facilitate the development of speech" (Lloyd, Fuller, & Arvidson, 1997, p. 236).

"AAC strategies can provide children who have developmental delays with an immediate means of communication; can facilitate expressive and receptive language development until other communication modalities (i.e., speech) improve; and can serve as a bridge to future spoken language development" (Glennen & DeCoste, 1997, p. 395).

"...Numerous studies have found that the introduction of AAC frequently has a positive affect on speech; children who are given AAC often develop speech faster than they would have otherwise (Bodine & Beukelman, 1991; Van Tatenhove, 1987)."

"...A child who is unable to communicate effectively is unable to participate meaningfully in many activities, and is at great risk for delays in cognitive, social and emotional development... Thus, it is crucial that he or she be provided with at least some ability to communicate that offers some immediate control over people and the environment, and can be expanded or modified as necessary to meet the needs of the future."

The YAACK web page referenced above also includes research citations dispelling common myths about augmentative communication. These citations can be useful when working with an insurance appeal.