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How will the Supreme Court Decision affect CMS's ability to ensure other aspects of the

As previously stated in a letter from the Secretary to the nation's governors, the Supreme Court held that a state may not lose federal funding for its existing Medicaid program if the state chooses not to participate in the expansion of Medicaid eligibility for low-income adults. The Court's decision did not affect other provisions of the law. State Medicaid and CHIP programs will need to coordinate with the Federally-facilitated Exchange, regardless of a state's decision to proceed with expansion.

How should a state that has a section 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver that

The ASD-related services should be provided through the Medicaid state plan for the EPSDT-eligible individuals, rather than the 1915(c) waiver. CMS will work with states to ensure that such services are able to be made available under the state plan. Accordingly, CMS with also work with states to remove the service from the 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver at the next amendment or renewal, whichever comes first.

Do states need to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) to offer benefits to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

In order to have services reimbursed under the Federal Medicaid program, a service must meet the definition of a coverable service under section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act. Treatment for ASD is not specifically referenced as a section 1905(a) service. However, some treatment modalities, or components of such treatment modalities, are within the scope of the federal Medicaid program under the following service categories: section 1905(a)(6) Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP), section 1905(a)(13) Preventive Services, and section 1905(a)(11) Therapies :.

When will CMS begin to assess state compliance with coverage requirements for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

There is no specific time frame for CMS review of state practices in this area. The CMCS Informational Bulletin released July 7, 2014 (see http://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-PolicyGuidance/Downloads/CIB-07-07-14.pdf (PDF, 143.2 KB)), related to Autism Spectrum Disorder discusses the obligations under the Medicaid statute and regulations that are already in effect.

Has CMS mandated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children under 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

No. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one treatment modality for ASD. CMS is not endorsing or requiring any particular treatment modality for ASD. State Medicaid agencies are responsible for determining what services are medically necessary for eligible individuals. States are expected to adhere to long-standing EPSDT obligations for individuals from birth to age 21, including providing medically necessary services available for the treatment of ASD.

CMS has advised states that the 90/10 matching funds for modernization of Medicaid eligibility and

The 90/10 funding is not contingent on a state's decision to proceed with its Medicaid expansion. As the preamble to the final regulation makes clear, the enhanced funding was not solely for eligibility determination systems that support the Medicaid expansion. (76 Fed Reg 21950-21975 (April 19, 2011) and 42 CFR Part 433.

How should a state that has a section 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver that

The ASD-related services should be provided through the Medicaid state plan for the EPSDT-eligible individuals, rather than the 1915(c) waiver. CMS will work with states to ensure that such services are able to be made available under the state plan. Accordingly, CMS with also work with states to remove the service from the 1915(c) home and community-based services waiver at the next amendment or renewal, whichever comes first.