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Workshop clarifies services for families of people with autism

HADLEY — Families of children with autism wading through confusing state insurance laws and private programs can get answers at a free workshop Tuesday led by state and local experts.

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Family Empowerment, a resource center for families with disabilities in Hadley, is sponsoring the session which will explain the distinction between ARICA, the Massachusetts Autism insurance law, and CBHI, the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative. ARICA requires private health insurers to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for people of all ages, while CBHI provides new or enhanced home and behavioral health options for children under 21 who are enrolled in MassHealth.

There has been confusion about differences in these programs and the workshop, led by Paula Arends from Clinical And Support Options and Amy Weinstock, director of the Autism Insurance Resource Center, explains the focus and criteria of each service.

Weinstock has an extensive background in insurance issues related to autism. As chairwoman of the Insurance Committee of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, she played a key role in passing autism insurance legislation in the state. She also serves on the Massachusetts Special Commission Relative to Autism.

The workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Family Empowerment office at 41 Russell Street, Hadley. Participants must register by Friday, Feb. 21, by calling 585-8010 or emailing [email protected]

The workshop will be canceled if a minimum number of participants do not sign up.