The ASHA Leader - February 2015 - 25

p o l i c y a n a ly s i s

Other provisions

In addition to defining habilitation,
the proposed rule also requires
that habilitation and rehabilitation
be provided as distinct-not
combined-benefits, and that
the habilitation benefit must be
provided at least in the same amount
as rehabilitative coverage. Health
plans, therefore, could not cover
habilitation simply by adding it to
the rehabilitation benefit without
increasing the restrictions.
For example, a provider that offers
a 12-visit rehabilitation benefit may
not expand the benefit to include
habilitation and rehabilitation
unless the provider also increases
the number of covered visits. Health
plans could establish visit limits,
but separately for both habilitation
and rehabilitation, and would have
to factor in beneficiary needs and
medical necessity.

The proposed rule creates a nationwide definition
for habilitative services that explicitly lists speechlanguage pathology, occupational therapy and
physical therapy as examples of services covered in
both habilitation and rehabilitation categories.
Finally, the proposed rule
prohibits discrimination based on
a person's age, expected length of
life, present or predicted disability,
degree of medical dependency,
quality of life, or other health
conditions. The rule states, "For
example, it would be arbitrary to
limit a hearing aid to enrollees who
are 6 years of age and younger since
there may be some older enrollees
for whom a hearing aid is medically
necessary."
These provisions can potentially
affect coverage of hearing aids for

adults and also the scope and range
of audiology and speech-language
services available to people of all ages
with a variety of medical conditions
and functional impairments. The
ACA mandates nondiscrimination,
stating that "health benefits
established as essential not be subject
to denial to individuals against
their wishes on the basis of the
individuals' age or expected length
of life or of the individuals' present
or predicted disability, degree of
medical dependency, or quality of
life ... "

National Center for Speech Telepractice
Accredited Telepractice Training
April 23 & 24, 2015 www.mainespeechtherapy.org

A direct connect with clients
Telepractice is changing the way speech therapy is
delivered and it's here to stay. This hands-on training
gives you the independence to connect directly with
clients on their personal devices in school, ofﬁce or
home, using tools they are already using every day.
Speech Telepractice Training
Thursday, April 23 & Friday, April 24, 2015 in Belfast, ME
Web-based Telepractice
* Highly interactive and effective
* Secure * Low cost * Professional
* No hardware or software to buy
* Connect using computer, iPad, tablet or smartphone
* Platform that meets HIPAA requirements

"The best training I have ever attended."
-Marcia B., Louisiana

Information / Register:
207-338-9349 * speech@wcgh.org

The Center for Telepractice at Waldo County General
Hosptal has trained therapists from 33 states and four
countries. Acquire the competencies and skills to begin
seeing clients the day you return to your work setting.
Hands-on, individualized training:
* Individual training labs in all phases of Telepractice
* Connect using computer, iPad, tablet or smartphone
* FREE trouble shooting & coaching on your computer
after training
* Train with experienced Telepracticioner instructors

The only speech therapy telepractice
training accredited by the American
Telemedicine Association
Sponsored by:
Speech Language
Pathology Department
PO Box 287
118 Northport Ave.
Belfast, Maine 04915

le ader .pubs. asha .org

25
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The ASHA Leader - February 2015

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