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Nord D, Hamre K, Andresen J. The Effects of Health Insurance Coverage on Workforce Engagement of Family Caregivers of Children With Intellectual Disability and Autism. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 129:10-25. [PMID: 38147890 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-129.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
For many families of children with intellectual disability and autism (ID/ASD), private health insurance and public programs, such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), are critical sources of support. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of health insurance coverage on workforce engagement of parents of children with ID/ASD. The study utilized 2014-2018 pooled National Health Interview Survey data to construct national estimates and test the effects of health insurance status on parent workforce outcomes. Primary findings indicate significantly higher odds of workforce absence (OR = 2.83, p < .0038) and unemployment (OR = 8.91, p < .0038) among parents with children with ID/ASD using public health insurance, compared to the reference group. Additionally, parents of children with ID/ASD who were uninsured were found to experience significantly higher unemployment (OR = 4.86, p < .0038) than the reference group. Findings have policy and research implications related to workforce engagement for parents, including issues impacting health insurance coverage, specifically related to Medicaid and CHIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Nord
- Derek Nord, Indiana University, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
| | - Kristin Hamre
- Kristin Hamre, Indiana University, School of Social Work
| | - John Andresen
- John Andresen, Indiana University, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
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Holingue C, Jang Y, Azad G, Landa R. Key stakeholder perspectives on obstacles to an autism-specific Medicaid waiver service delivery model. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2021; 35:205-216. [PMID: 34558157 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and youth with autism spectrum disorder have significant, multi-system needs that require supports, such as the autism waiver (AW) service delivery model. This study aimed to identify and describe characteristics of the AW, define obstacles and strengths in the provision of adequate services and provide recommendations for improving overall effectiveness. METHODS This mixed-methods exploratory study used an electronic survey to gain information and perceptions of AW provider agency directors (n = 27) and service coordinators (n = 30). RESULTS The key barriers reported were the shortage of qualified staff, inadequate staff training, complexity of cases or symptom severity of clients and lack of communication at multiple levels throughout the agency as well as with parents. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations include reinforcing the workforce through higher salaries, greater training and communication interventions. These strategies may reduce staff turnover and shortage, lighten the caseload, reduce the waitlist period and improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of AW services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calliope Holingue
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yeon Jang
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gazi Azad
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Landa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Fong VC, Lee BS, Iarocci G. A community-engaged approach to examining barriers and facilitators to accessing autism services in Korean immigrant families. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:525-537. [PMID: 34286622 PMCID: PMC8814949 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211034067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Perceptions and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse groups in accessing autism services in Canada are extremely limited. Thus, this study partnered with a community member to explore Korean immigrant parents' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to accessing autism services in British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were conducted with 20 Korean parents of autistic children. Barriers and facilitators at the system, provider, and family/cultural level were identified. Barriers at the system level included delays and waitlists for services, and ineffective school policies to address child behavioral challenges. At the provider level, barriers included a lack of qualified professionals, negative attitudes, and lack of guidance navigating services. For family/cultural-related barriers, these included language and communication difficulties, out-of-pocket costs, and stigma impeded service access. Facilitators at the system level included family-centered care and prioritization of mental health supports. At the provider level, strengths included culturally competent and bilingual professionals. The family/cultural-related facilitators identified were informal support networks, characteristics of the parent, and connections to cultural community organizations. The findings emphasize the need to understand and consider diverse experiences, preferences, and values in the design and provision of autism services for families and their children.
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Shea LL, Koffer Miller KH, Verstreate K, Tao S, Mandell D. States' use of Medicaid to meet the needs of autistic individuals. Health Serv Res 2021; 56:1207-1214. [PMID: 34251042 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the use of Medicaid programs, including waivers, to address the needs of aging autistic individuals. DATA SOURCES We gathered data on Medicaid programs in place between 2004 and 2015 for 50 states and the District of Columbia from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, by contacting state Medicaid administrators and advocacy groups, and by reviewing the Medicaid Analytic eXtract Waiver Crosswalk. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective analysis classified each Medicaid program and documented state changes over time in eligibility criteria: those serving autism spectrum disorder only, autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability, and intellectual disability only. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We captured age and diagnosis eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs serving any of the three target groups. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 269 Medicaid programs met our criteria and most programs (51%) were 1915(c) waivers. The number of autism-specific 1915(c) waivers grew more than fivefold during the study period, outpacing increases in waivers serving individuals with intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS States varied in their use of Medicaid to address the needs of the aging autism population. Further study of characteristics of states that changed their Medicaid programs, and of the health care use and outcomes associated with these changes, are needed to identify opportunities to replicate effective approaches to meeting the needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Lawer Shea
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kate Verstreate
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sha Tao
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Mandell
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Liu G, Velott DL, Kong L, Dick AW, Mandell DS, Stein BD, Murray MJ, Ba DM, Cidav Z, Leslie DL. The Association of the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waivers with Emergency Department Utilization among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1587-1597. [PMID: 33966133 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using the 2008-2013 Medicaid Analytic eXtract files, this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs on emergency department (ED) utilizations among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study showed that the annual ED utilization rates were 13.5% and 18.8% for individuals on autism specific and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) waivers respectively, vs. 28.5% for those without a waiver. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, compared to no waiver, autism specific waivers (adjusted odds ratio: 0.62; 95% Confidence Interval: [0.58-0.66]) and IDD waivers (0.65; [0.64-0.66]) were strongly associated with reduced ED. These findings suggest that HCBS waivers are effective in reducing the incidence of ED visits among youth with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
| | - Diana L Velott
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Lan Kong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Andrew W Dick
- The RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - David S Mandell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bradley D Stein
- The RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Michael J Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Djibril M Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Zuleyha Cidav
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Douglas L Leslie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
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Characterization of Family-Directed Care Coordination and Involvement in Behavioral Treatments in an Autism-Specific Medicaid Waiver. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:715-724. [PMID: 32617794 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families have evolved with the advent of the Medicaid waiver, leading to more family-based coordination of care. Evaluating family involvement, the current investigation compared 230 families of children with ASD receiving Medicaid waiver services to a propensity-score matched group of 230 families who were waiting for such services (i.e., registry families). Compared to the registry, waiver families reported more involvement in service planning tasks, but not activities related to future-planning, managing crisis situations, or searching for and securing funding. Additional analyses characterize waiver families as engaging in high levels of coordinating and delivering behavioral interventions for their child. Implications for family burden and future programming for waiver programs are discussed.
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