Also, my understanding of the Medi-Cal definition of SGD is that an iPad should qualify. Contact Lew Golinker for more.
Jen Coggiola, MA, CCC/SLP
Speech Pathologist
ALS Center at UCSF
400 Parnassus Ave., 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2122 clinic phone
(415) 353-2524 clinic fax
(925) 323-0175 cell phone
xxxxxx@ucsfmedctr.org
Currently, the only way to have Medi-Cal or Medicare to purchase an iPad is to go through FRS Solutions. You get an iPad 2 with speakers, case, warranty, tech support and an array of apps. I only know of one SLP who has submitted to Medi-Cal for an iPad with a specific TTS app after completing the evaluation process. She did this twice and was denied both times.
There will be rules in place by January 2014 for the DDTP to become the payor of last resort for any SGD recommended by an SLP, including an iPad. There is also a purposed decision for the DDTP to begin a Supplemental Telecommunications Program where they will loan out specialized telecommunications equipment (STE) to the speech-impaired person. The definition used to distinguish SGD from STE is the HHS one, so basically dedication. This STE program will most likely include iPads with TTS apps and will not require an SLP evaluation. The ruling for the STE program is currently "proposed" and our comments are due on Monday.
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
Confidentiality Notice: This message and any attachments are only for the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, privileged and/or protected health information. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please: 1) be advised that unauthorized review, use, copying, disclosure, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful; 2) notify the sender of the delivery by reply e-mail or contact RIC's Privacy Officer at 312.238.0766 or xxxxxx@ric.org; and 3) delete and destroy all copies of the message and its attachments. Thank you.