Ch. 5 Pro's and Con's

Public Sources of AT Funding

There are numerous public funding programs that is available to help the people. There are more than 30 programs established in the United States Congress that affects United States residents with disabilities and more than 12 agencies on the federal level that oversees the programs. Medicare is a program that helps individuals 65 and older with medical and help with equipment for them. It is a health insurance program operated by the federal government. Medicaid is a public welfare program whose coverage, benefits, and program helps individuals 21 and younger. One of the general criteria for funding of all Medicaid services is that the requested equipment or service should be considered a medical necessity. There are so many positive things about public funding but the negative thing is what about the individuals without a disability who does not have any medical insurance.

Private Sources of AT Funding

These sources vary by country. Self funding is one type of private funding. It is paid out of pocket by the consumer. Sometimes the out of pocket cost can become a hardship for the individual. A positive thing is that individuals can maybe get a deduction or credit on their taxes and in the United States  and some other countries have low interest loans. There are also private health  insurance programs and is the source of almost 35% of all health expenditures in the United States. Private health insurance is also a potential source for funding assistive technology devices and speech language pathology.

Other Sources of AT Funding

There are other sources that help with funding for individuals with disabilities that do not call themselves public or private fundings. The services are called service clubs, private foundations, and volunteer organizations. These organizations help out in so many ways. Service clubs are more  likely to provide funding if one of their goals is to help certain groups with certain disabilities. The only negative part is that the organizations really benefit themselves to make themselves look good.

Funding Process and Guidelines for Procuring

In order to get funding  for assistive technology devices services, individuals with disabilities must follow the procedures and guidelines established  by each program . A good this that a complicating factor is that consumers can be eligible for multiple sources of funding and some of the same services can be linked to the same funding. Most programs that pay for services and equipment will also pay for repair.

AT Funding

This is known as public, private and tricare insurance programs. These programs benefits help all individuals whether they have no income, low  income or high paying jobs.

Identifying The  AT Funding

In this process consumers will know what programs they are eligible for. If they are eligible for Medicaid, medicare or tricare, they will receive  a wallet card stating their eligibility.

Justifying  Funding for Assistive Technology Services and Devices

This program have something known as third party payers which require adequate documentation and proof of need before they will approve funding or assistive technology services or equipment. When funding is justified and being pursued through a vocational rehabilition agency. It is important that the the written justification must specify why and how the device will enhance the individual.