Iowa Autism Support Program (ASP): A Guide for Families Seeking ABA Services
The Iowa Autism Support Program (ASP) is designed to assist families who may not have the means to afford ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services for their child with autism. This program is administered by Iowa’s Health and Human Services (HHS), though it is separate from Medicaid and is intended for families who are not eligible for Medicaid coverage.
Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding eligibility, program benefits, the application process, and provider requirements for families who may qualify for ASP support.
Program Eligibility
To qualify for the Iowa Autism Support Program, families must meet the following criteria:
Child Age Requirement: The child must be under 14 years of age at the time of application.
Diagnosis Requirements: The child must have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from one of the following professionals:
Child psychiatrist
Developmental pediatrician
Clinical psychologist
Note: The ASD diagnosis must be dated within 24 months of the application.
Insurance Coverage: The child must not have ABA coverage available through Medicaid or other private insurance options. (ex. CHIP/HAWKI)
Income Guidelines: Families must meet specific income requirements:
Income Threshold: Up to 500% of the federal poverty level.
Cost Share Requirements: For families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, there is no cost-share requirement. For those above this level, cost-sharing varies from 0.5% to 15% of the cost of services, depending on family income.
Income is measured based on the most recent federal tax return for the household, filed within 15 months of the application date.
Enrollment Process for the Iowa Autism Support Program (ASP)
To apply for the Iowa Autism Support Program, follow these steps:
Contact the ASP Administrator
Reach out to Connie Fanselow, the ASP Administrator:Email: cfansel@dhs.state.ia.us
Phone: 515-725-0131
Request an application form through either method.Complete the Application Form
Along with the ASP application form, provide the following documents:Proof of Age: A copy of the child’s certified birth certificate.
Income Documentation: A copy of your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040A) to verify household size and modified adjusted gross income.
Insurance Information:
A copy of the insurance card (or the child’s insurance card) showing the child’s name as proof of coverage.
Proof of ABA Non-Coverage: Documentation showing that ABA services are not covered by any insurance plan. This could include:
A member benefits guide or policy document that explicitly states ABA services are not covered.
An explanation of benefits showing ABA services are excluded.
A letter from the insurer confirming that ABA services are not covered or have been denied.
Other documentation indicating ABA funding is unavailable (Note: if the child is covered only by the HAWK-I program, no additional documentation is needed).
Diagnostic Verification: A recent medical record verifying the child’s autism diagnosis within the past 24 months, issued by a child psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or clinical psychologist.
Submit Your Application
Email or mail the completed application form and all supporting documents to the ASP Administrator.Receive Authorization and Begin Services
Upon approval, connect with our Intake Team to start services. Initial services will require prior authorization, and a new service plan must be submitted every six months to maintain authorization.
Attached Documents for Reference: