Transcript State AT Programs share Medicaid iPad coverage initiatives

State AT Programs share Medicaid
iPad coverage initiatives
Oklahoma – Linda Jaco
Vermont – Amber Fulcher
Colorado – Maureen Melonis
History/What’s Been Done
• Oklahoma – Linda Jaco
– Approximately 2 years ago the Oklahoma Health
Care Authority was approached to vend iPads as
speech generating devices
– OHCA Approves:
• iPad (up to $499)
• Durable case (Ex. Otterbox)
• Application (7 apps are preapproved)
– Vendors
History/What’s Been Done
• Vermont – Amber Fulcher
- 2 years ago the VT Department of Health Care
Access began collaborating with area SLP’s
- Consulted with policy oversight,
reimbursement, & provider services
- Approved by medical director and senior
management
- Identified vendor & began approving in 2012
History/What’s Been Done
• Vermont – Amber Fulcher
- VATP established iPad Rental Program to
support SLP’s running trials of iOS devices for
approval
http://atp.vermont.gov/services
History/What’s Been Done
• Colorado – Maureen Melonis
– Contacted 2 years ago
– Benefit Coverage Standards (draft)
•
•
•
•
•
Tablets/iPads
Dedicated devices
Peripherals (cases, apps, etc)
Access (blue tooth, etc)
Trials with devices
– Vendors
– Other topics (reports, Q13, etc.)
Lessons Learned
• Oklahoma – Linda Jaco
– Relationships are key
– The process from a position on a university
campus requires many players (financial, IT, legal,
etc.)
– It’s worth it.
Lessons Learned
• Vermont – Amber Fulcher
- Flexibility and an approach of continuous
improvement are necessary
- Involve stake-holders (professionals, vendors,
users)
- Design policies and procedures that allow for
change (ex. adding new apps with feedback
from the field)
Lessons Learned
• Colorado – Maureen Melonis
– Address their agenda first
– Build relationships, collaborate with other
providers but carefully
– Regulations, rules and requirements
– Be careful what we wish for…
• Limited vendors
• Support needed
Questions