Assistive Technology Public Funding
Assistive Technology Public Funding
EARLY & PERIODIC SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT "EPSDT"
What agency runs the program?
Who can get services from the program?
What kinds of AT help can the program provide?
The state Department of Human Services ("DHS") runs the Early and Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment ("EPSDT") program of Medicaid (MA) in Rhode Island. To apply for EPSDT services, you should contact the DHS office nearest you. DHS has offices in most cities and towns in Rhode Island.
Who can get services
from the program?
[Note: For more specific information about Medicaid eligibility, please refer to the "MA" fact sheet.]
The EPSDT program of Medicaid provides a very broad range of health care coverage to low-income children from birth to 21 years of age.
What kinds of AT help can
the program provide?
[Note: For more specific information about Medicaid covered services,
please refer to the "MA" fact sheet.]
As the program name suggests, EPSDT eligible children must "periodically" receive
thorough assessments ("screening") of their overall
physical and mental health, and their growth and development.
If, as a result of this screening, any medical service is identified
which would promote a child's health, prevent disability, or
help a child achieve a maximum level of functioning, then Medicaid
should probably pay for this service. Any service which could
be provided under federal Medicaid law, must be provided under
EPSDT, even if this service is not usually provided through
Medicaid in Rhode Island.
Under the EPSDT program, the "medical necessity" criteria
of Medicaid should be interpreted more broadly. AT services
and devices should therefore be more readily provided. The
most important service categories related to AT that EPSDT
opens up for young people are:
Physical therapy. This service has traditionally covered at least basic wheelchairs, and can also cover more sophisticated wheelchairs, and "alternative access" add-on features for a computer or communication device, eg. special switches, pointers, mounting devices, etc.;
Occupational therapy. This service can cover devices like environmental control units for the home, home modifications, and (for those nearing 21 years old, of course) adaptive driving equipment such as hand controls or wheelchair-carrying devices.
Speech pathology and audiology services. This service can cover augmentative and alternative communication ("AAC") devices, and perhaps, since it extends to restoring function in written communication as well, computer-based devices to aid in writing.
Rehabilitative services. This service can cover devices such as ramps and other home modifications, van lifts, and environmental control units. And since "rehabilitation services" are intended to help people obtain their "best possible functional levels," advanced features for devices like wheelchairs, or AAC devices could be funded under this category.
[Note: For information about Cost, Making Requests, Appealing
a Denial, or Getting Legal Help, please refer to the
MA Fact Sheet.]
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