Early Intervention Services Now Covered in Full

Due to changes in Massachusetts law, effective July 1, 2010, all fully insured plans—with the exception of plans with a health savings account (HSA)—are required to offer unlimited Early Intervention benefits without member cost sharing.

The Fiscal Year 2011 Massachusetts state budget included a provision that eliminates member cost sharing for early intervention services. This means that members are not required to pay copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for these services.

The mandate does not apply to plans that meet the federal high deductible health plan requirements, e.g., any plans that include health savings accounts (HSAs) such as Tufts Health Plan Advantage Saver options.

Early intervention services include specialized health, educational, and therapeutic services designed to meet the needs of infants and toddlers, from birth through the third birthday, who have a developmental delay or disability. They are provided by certified early intervention specialists.

If you have any questions, please contact your Account Manager.

July 21, 2010