Behavioral Innovations partners with insurance companies to mitigate financial burden on parents

Behavioral Innovations, the premier Dallas/Fort Worth provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders, announces its partnership with key insurance carriers to offer in-network insurance coverage for several ABA therapy programs. Behavioral Innovations is the first behavioral therapy center in the Metroplex to offer in-network insurance for select treatments - mitigating the financial burden on parents.

As of January 1, 2010, Behavioral Innovations started accepting insurance from Aetna covering payments associated with their In-home Treatment Program and SAIL After School Program. The company started accepting in-network insurance coverage from Aetna for children in their Center-Based Day Program in 2009. Starting January 11th, the company will accept United Behavioral Health, which will cover their Center-based Day Program and SAIL After School Program.

"Behavioral Innovations has proactively partnered with specific insurance companies so parents can afford necessary treatments for their autistic children," said Billy Edwards, Director of Business Development at Behavioral Innovations. "This alleviates some out-of-pocket expense and stress, which many parents face, and helps them start early intervention therapy for their child."

Behavioral Innovations is the first ABA therapy center in Texas to join Aetna's network and the first to partner with United Behavioral Health, providing in-network services. The company also provides in-network coverage for military families through Tricare/Humana, is filing claims for BCBS and Cigna and is working diligently with additional insurance companies to gain provider status and network coverage in the near future. This will allow the company to continue treating children that have developmental disorders, while making it more affordable for their parents.

"Autistic children need intensive therapy and treatment is expensive no matter how you slice it," said Edwards. "We want families to have access to comprehensive programs that best fits their needs."

Recently, the Texas legislature made it a priority to make changes in Autism insurance and treatment options. In 2007, the Texas Legislation passed House Bill 1919 to mandate that insurance companies recognize disorders on the autism spectrum. In May 2009, the legislature passed House Bill 451, widening the range of ages for insurance coverage and House Bill 192, excusing a temporary absence from school from a student diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders for an appointment with a health care practitioner.

"The Texas Legislature is helping parents overcome challenges associated with autistic children," said Lisa Martin, whose autistic daughter, Paige, attends Behavioral Innovations. "With these insurance and legislative changes, it's easier to get Paige the therapy she needs to improve her quality of life."

Behavioral Innovations provides diversified and individualized autism therapy programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The qualified professionals help children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Asperger's, Cerebral Palsey, Down Syndrome, and many other developmental and behavioral disorders. Each program is tailored to meet each child's unique situation.

Behavioral Innovations offers complimentary screenings for children with behavioral or delay disorders as well as a tour of the facility for parents. Its North Texas Autism Treatment Center, located in Irving, is designed to provide a clinical setting where children receive superior therapy services.