Private Insurance: Many private insurance carriers will fund an AAC evaluation. Prior authorization may be required. The specifics of what is needed (e.g., multidisciplinary report, prescription, invoice) will depend on your particular policy coverage. Your policy handbook should be your guide to understanding your covered services. It is likely that your private insurance company will be unfamiliar with AAC. Insurance companies tend to deny coverage if they do not perceive the evaluation as a “covered service.” You may need to justify the evaluation as a medically necessary service before your private insurance agency will provide coverage.

Schools: Schools are required by law to provide appropriate assistive technology services. This can include augmentative devices, printers and computers that are necessary for your child to actively participate in class and to complete homework assignments. If your child’s school does not have qualified service providers on staff to perform an evaluation, an outside evaluation should be conducted at the school’s expense. The requirement for an AAC evaluation and the needed intervention services to facilitate the development of effective communication skills must be written into your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Medicaid: If your child has Medicaid coverage, ask an evaluation team if they accept Medicaid reimbursement for their services.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Services through VR are typically tied directly to a plan of action that has been developed by an individual with their VR counselor for the purpose of seeking employment. If use of AAC is required in order to accomplish established objectives, funding for the evaluation will probably need to be arranged by VR in collaboration with the evaluation agency.

Private Insurance: Private insurance carriers are beginning to fund AAC equipment. Prior authorization will usually be required. Coverage depends on what is listed in your policy. Your policy handbook should be your guide to determining what services or equipment are covered. It is likely that your private insurance company will be unfamiliar with AAC. They may tend to deny coverage if they do not see how the equipment being requested corresponds to the “covered services” listed in your handbook. You may need to convince your private insurance agency to provide coverage based on the “covered services” sections of your handbook (e.g., prosthetic devices, durable medical equipment, speech therapy and supplies).

Schools: Schools are required by law to provide assistive technology equipment. The requirement for AAC equipment, repair and periodic replacement may be put in an IEP.

Medicaid: Most states cover the purchase of AAC equipment for individuals up to age 21, and many cover the purchase of equipment for individuals of all ages. However, each state’s coverage guidelines vary. An equipment manufacturer should be familiar with your state’s funding practice. The manufacturer should help you determine what documentation requirements are necessary for equipment funding through your state’s Medicaid.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Services through VR are typically tied directly to a plan of action that has been developed by an individual with their VR counselor for the purpose of seeking employment. If use of AAC is required in order to accomplish established objectives, funding for the recommended equipment will probably need to be arranged by VR in collaboration with the equipment manufacturer.

Private Insurance: Many private insurance carriers will fund speech therapy. Prior authorization may be a requirement and/or there may be coverage limitations (cost allowances, duration, etc.). This depends completely on what coverage is listed in your policy. You should refer to your policy handbook prior to contacting your insurance company to discuss coverage.

Schools: Schools are required by law to provide assistive-technology services. If the school does not have qualified providers, a qualified provider should be identified and appropriate services provided at the school’s expense. A requirement stating that the serving SLP have certain AAC experience may be put in an IEP.

Medicaid: If your Medicaid covers speech therapy (most do), you can seek therapeutic support via Medicaid. Inquire with the SLP of your choice whether or not they accept Medicaid reimbursement for their services.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Services through VR are typically tied directly to a plan of action that has been developed by an individual with their VR counselor for the purpose of seeking employment. If use of AAC is required in order to accomplish established objectives, funding for the ongoing services will probably need to be arranged by VR in collaboration with the SLP.