Thrive Autism Solutions Offers Families Assistance In Navigating Confusing Changes To 2017 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Thrive Autism Solutions, a CARF-accredited ABA treatment provider, offers assistance to the St. Louis autism community struggling to navigate the complex 2017 Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment process. Thrive specializes in intensive ABA therapy – the only treatment for autism endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Mental Health.

"After open enrollment began November 1, it quickly became clear we needed to organize outreach beyond our current network of families to ensure every child with autism has access to Applied Behavior Analysis treatment," said Liz Kinsella, Program Director, Thrive Autism Solutions, St. Louis. "Finding the proper insurance plan for ABA coverage can be a challenging and confusing process, which can ultimately limit families in accessing services. We felt it was important to offer ourselves as a resource so families can feel confident they are selecting an on- or off-Marketplace plan that includes ABA coverage."

"Children with autism can benefit from 25 to 40 hours of weekly intensive ABA interventions," says Dr. David Callahan, a pediatric neurology specialist at Washington University Clinical Associates. "Therapy at any age is beneficial, but the younger a child is when treatment begins, the better."

"When families hear that their child would benefit from a therapy that is not covered by their insurance plan, the news can be crushing," said Kinsella. "Our goal at Thrive is to make sure families know about all of their options, as many people are unaware of the ABA benefits included in Marketplace plans."

According to HealthCare.gov, here are the critical enrollment dates:

November 1, 2016

• Open Enrollment began. This was the first day of enrollment, re-enrollment or changes to a 2017 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2017.

December 15, 2016

• Last day to enroll in, or change plans, in order for coverage to start January 1, 2017.

January 1, 2017

• 2017 coverage starts for those who enroll, or change plans, by December 15.

January 31, 2017

• Last day to enroll in or change a 2017 health plan. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.

THRIVE AUTISM SOLUTIONS – Because kids have no limits
Serving children and families in Northwest Arkansas and St. Louis, MO, Thrive Autism Solutions is a science-based autism behavioral therapy and consultation service in accordance with the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and the first in the South to achieve accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for internationally recognized service standards and best practices. Thrive optimizes each child's happiness and potential by working with children and their families to thrive and grow – at home, in school and in life. Specializing in the only treatment endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Mental Health, Thrive proudly practices the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Learn more: www.ThriveASD.org

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SOURCE Thrive Autism Solutions

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http://www.ThriveASD.org