Support for Core Operations of the Autism Insurance Resource Center

Located at the UMass Medical School Shriver Center, the Autism Insurance Resource Center provides information to the public about insurance coverage under a law, An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA), which took effect in Massachusetts on January 1, 2011. There are many questions related to the implementation of the law (e.g., to whom ARICA applies, what treatments are covered, how to access coverage, etc.). The Center, a program of New England INDEX, a long-standing information resource for people with disabilities, is designed to provide information and support for self-advocates, family members, providers, employers, and educators on issues related to medical insurance for autism treatment. This grant provides support for core operations of the Center, allowing it to provide support to the autism community to access insurance coverage and maximize the impact of ARICA legislation. There is expected to be significant growth and increased reliance on the Center due to the enactment of the Autism Omnibus Bill.