Funding for Services
There are a variety of different funding sources available for individuals with developmental disabilities; the difficult part is finding the one that is right for you or your loved one. Hopefully the list and descriptions of the following popular funding sources and their links can help.
- Missouri First Steps offers coordinated services and assistance to young children with special needs and their families. First Steps is designed for children, birth to age 3, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities.
- Missouri Department of Mental Health makes services available through 11 regional centers, six habilitation centers, and many contractual providers. Behavior Intervention Services is one of those providers for a number of services. Individuals who have a developmental disability such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, or another serious disability that originated before the age of 22 may be eligible for assistance through The Missouri Department of Mental Health.
- The Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB) or “Senate Bill 40 Board” provides community based programs and supports for citizens with developmental disabilities who reside in St. Charles County and Jefferson County. Funded services include: adult day programs, residential services, advocacy services, supported daycare, early intervention, family support, transitional programs, respite, sheltered workshop, adaptive equipment, supported employment, and recreation. Behavior Intervention Services offers a multitude of services funded by the DDRB.
- BIS Services may also be covered by your family’s private insurance provider! Missouri’s new autism insurance law (HB1311) was signed by Gov. Jay Nixon on June 10, 2010. The bill requires private insurance companies operating in Missouri to provide coverage under group health insurance policies for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy to children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The benefit for ABA therapy is capped at $40,000 per year for each child under the age of 18. There are no annual limits on the number of visits. The treatment must be prescribed by the child’s physician or psychologist and detailed in a treatment plan that is subject to review at least every six months. Below you will find a complete list of insurance companies that Behavior Intervention Services currently contracts with but please note that this list is growing everyday.
- Private payment for services is also an option. Families who do not received funding through a third party source have the option of paying privately for services. Behavior Intervention Services will invoice for services rendered and families can pay that invoice by cash, check, or any of the credit cards (Visa, Amex, MC, Discover). For a fee for service schedule, please contact Debby Schaefer at 314-395-9375 ext 101.