Does insurance cover testing for autism spectrum disorders in Tennessee?

[Mark Smith]

Ive suspected myself of having an ASD for over a year now and I’m at the point where I want to seek testing. However, as I’ve looked up, full-scale professionally testing can go up to $1,500-2,000 dollars which I cannot afford. So does anybody know if insurance will cover for testing in the state of Tennessee? Thank you.

 

[tree]

Wouldn't that be a question to ask your insurance agent?

 

[Judge]

Ive suspected myself of having an ASD for over a year now and I’m at the point where I want to seek testing. However, as I’ve looked up, full-scale professionally testing can go up to $1,500-2,000 dollars which I cannot afford. So does anybody know if insurance will cover for testing in the state of Tennessee? Thank you.

Tennessee's state insurance mandate offers only benefits and treatment for children less than twelve years of age. However some policies may technically be exempt from the state mandate, which could either imply coverage and treatment for autism, or absolutely exclude it.

As @tree suggests, this is something to ask a legal representative (plan administrator) of an insurer. Whether you have such insurance or intend on acquiring it.

2010 Tennessee Code :: Title 56 - Insurance :: Chapter 7 - Policies and Policyholders :: :: Part 23 - Mandated Insurer or Plan Coverage :: :: 56-7-2367 - Autism spectrum disorders.

 

[Fino]

I imagine it would also depend on your specific insurance.

Maybe if someone did have it covered, mentioning that would be something he was looking for in making this thread.

When I ask how all of my services as a kid/teenager were paid for, I always get an answer like, "I think the county covers it in that situation," but they never sound sure. What a lovely world that things like that are provided for young folks to a point in which I never once considered the costs until a decade later.

 

[Judge]

What a lovely world that things like that are provided for young folks to a point in which I never once considered the costs until a decade later.

No problem. After all, everyone (and Autism Speaks) knows that we grow out of our autism by adulthood.

 

[Crossbreed]

@Mark Smith, if you are talking about (typical) state medical assistance, they should cover mental health services, generally. If that is the case, find an autism-competent provider through The Autism Society of East Tennessee.

Do neurological/psychological testing, generally, at a place that recognizes autism.

This tactic might work for other insurances, as well.