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Recent advocacy actions taken by ASHA have resulted in a decision by Premera Blue Cross to reverse its policy that excluded coverage of speech-generating devices (SGDs) and other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices for autism-related speech-language disorders. Premera's Corporate Medical Policy (CP.MP.PR.1.01.502), last updated October 9, 2007, excluded coverage of autism-related speech-language disorders on the basis that it considers SGDs and AACs devices for autism "investigational." Premera would only cover those devices as "medically necessary," if they are used to treat speech-language impairments that are not "primarily" due to autism or other pervasive developmental disorders.
ASHA urged Premera Blue Cross to reconsider its policy in light of supportive literature findings as well as current national and local practice standards for speech-language pathologists to use SGDs/AAC devices to treat autism-related speech-language disorders. ASHA's subsequent communications with Premera Blue Cross has revealed that this exclusionary policy will be reversed and publicly announced by late March. Premera's policy change will result in coverage under the same criteria for SGDs /AAC devices to treat speech-language disorders, regardless whether they are related to autism or of other etiologies. For additional information, please contact Angela Foehl, ASHA's Director of Private Health Plans Advocacy, by e-mail at afoehl@asha.org or by phone at 800-498-2071, ext. 5677.
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