Forbes rehab services in Ohio is selling a dedicated SGD based on an ipad platform. AFAIK, this is about the only way you can get Medicare/Medicaid funding. They are funding a device in Illinois. I would assume they would love to in California as well, may be worth a call to them to identify if they already have a contract etc.
Ed Hitchcock OT/L
Technology Center
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
312-238-2997
xxxxxx@ric.org
From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com]
On Behalf Of Amy Roman
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 11:15 AM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Cc: National ALS Association AT Listserv
Subject: Re: CA iPad question
Hi,
CA telephone access program will be funding and lending Androids and iPads soon. Jen C. can you tell us more about that?
Amy Roman, MS, SLP-CCC
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 22, 2013, at 8:52 AM, Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org> wrote:
Do any of the CA people on this listerv have any insight for the writer below?
Thanks
Alisa
Alisa Brownlee, ATP
Assistive Technology Specialist
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Association, National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Conference Chair, RESNA 2014 Convention
215-631-1877
Follow me on Twitter: @alsassistivetec
Facebook: Alisa Brownlee ALS
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Mark you calendars!
RESNA’s 2014 Conference is “Racing Towards Excellence in Assistive Technology”
June 11-15, 2014—JW Marriott Indianapolis, IN
Hello,
I am a graduate student in the Public Administration program at California State University, Bakersfield. I am working on a policy issue that relates to funding iPads through Medi-Cal.
I have contacted someone from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) who directed me to policy which disqualifies iPads as a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) but I believe there are other options that an iPads can qualify under such as an ALC or an AAC which fall under SGDs.
However, the response was clear, "Medicare does not cover iPads/tablets as speech generating devices. If you should have further questions or concerns regarding the Medicare program, you may contact the Beneficiary Contact Center at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048 where a representative will be available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."
Something doesn't seem right, here. Can anyone give me your experience with funding for these type of devices for your clients in California?
Your response is much solicited and appreciated.
Heidi Forsythe
Graduate Student in the MPA Program
California State University, Bakersfield
(661) 348-8194
