On August 25, RCPA, in collaboration with key state agencies, hosted a webinar on changes impacting providers of child and adolescent autism services as well as HealthChoices managed care organizations. The webinar also reviewed the use of behavioral health, physical health, and rehabilitation procedure codes that reflect services for the diagnostic assessment and treatment of ASD covered under Act 62. The procedure codes that are on the MA Program fee schedule will be subject to the cost avoidance process for MA FFS claims beginning September 30.

The webinar also included a review of updated information and guidance for families that providers can duplicate and make available to families of children with an autism spectrum disorder. Visit the DHS Act 62 web page for resources to use when communicating with families, including:

• Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Appeal
• Sample Appeal Letters
• Act 62 Infographics

Representatives from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Insurance Department reviewed the recently issued Medical Assistance (MA) Bulletin for providers relating to Act 62 titled, Payment of Claims for Services Provided to Children and Adolescents for the Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The purpose of this bulletin is to remind providers enrolled in the MA Program, both fee-for-service and HealthChoices, of the requirement to bill a child’s or adolescent’s private health insurance company before submitting a claim for the diagnostic assessment or treatment of ASD. New codes will be implemented by September 30. The recording of the webinar is available for review. The Power Point presentations for both the managed care and the service provider presentations are also now available.