This document is divided into three sections,
depending on who will use the assistive technology:
As an individual with a disability, your child may have a right to the assistive technology he or she needs. Many funding sources -- whether they are government programs or private insurers -- must make their decisions based on whether your child meets certain conditions.
Assistive technology (AT) is a device or service that makes certain tasks easier for people with disabilities. This includes communication devices, adaptive wheelchairs, stair lifts, computers, van conversions and many other items. AT also includes home modifications and adaptations such as ramps and grab bars in a hallway or bathroom.
In the past, those who were wrongfully denied AT often didn’t have the help or resources to appeal the decision. Now, help is available through InfoTech.
We have designed this brochure to explain how InfoTech, an IPAT (Iowa Program for Assistive Technology) program, can help if your request for AT for your child is rejected.
All government programs and most private insurance contracts have an appeal or review process that you can turn to if you are denied benefits. An appeal begins with a written explanation of why your application for assistance should be accepted. The information relevant to your application is then reviewed by someone not involved in the initial decision.
If You Are Seeking AT through a Government Program:
You have a contract with that company that defines your rights. A contract can be enforced.
If you have been rejected by a funding agency, call us at InfoTech for help.
InfoTech can:
Find Out Why
Once you understand why your application has been rejected, you’ll know more about how to appeal the rejection and apply to other funding sources.
If an agency denies your request for funding, it’s usually for one of four reasons:
To be prepared to appeal a negative decision, you need to keep records pertaining to your child’s case. In a file or notebook, keep track of all paper work and phone conversations. Take notes and write down contact names and the date and time of phone calls and meetings. You should also try to speak to the same contact person each time you call or visit a funding agency.
Remember, persistence often pays off when seeking AT, this means:
There are many laws that give eligible children legal rights to assistive technology. Some of the more important of these are described in this brochure. Each law defines certain rights and gives consumers the power to challenge decisions if their rights are wrongfully denied.
For information on the various funding agencies and programs described below, or to receive help on an appeal, call InfoTech 1-800-331-3027 (voice/TTY).
Medicaid is a government program that provides funding for health services. It’s administered through the Iowa Department of Human services (DHS).
There are many ways to get on Medicaid. Your child may be on Medicaid through:
If children are on any Medicaid program, they are entitled to AT if the AT meets the program’s specifications. Children have received wheelchairs, communication devices and other AT.
The Medicaid program pays for durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices, augmentative communication devices, and medical supplies. Many types of AT can be covered under these categories if the AT is medically necessary.
If your request for AT for your child from Medicaid is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the DHS and to the courts.
If your child is eligible for special education under the IDEA and Iowa law, he or she may be eligible to receive AT through the school system.
The IDEA divides its services into two parts:
Part H--Children Birth to Age 3. Children birth to 3 enrolled in the Part H program may receive AT as an early intervention service if it is specified in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Part B--Children Aged 3 to 21. Under IDEA, if children age 3 to 21 require assistive technology, either as part of their special education program, as a "related service" or as a "supplemental aid or service to keep the child in the least restrictive environment," then the AT must be provided at no cost to the family.
Each child in special education has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team which includes the parents. If the IEP team determines that a child needs AT in order to receive a free and appropriate education, then the AT needs to be set out in the IEP. The school is in turn required to ensure that the child is provided AT designated in the IEP at no cost to the parents. AT might be required for the student to benefit from special education or to be educated in "the least restrictive environment." The team can also decide that an evaluation should be done to determine what AT is necessary.
If you disagree with decisions made by the school in connection with your child’s special education, you can request a hearing with the Iowa Department of Education.
Both of these federal laws help guarantee your rights to AT. They prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. This means they require certain entities to offer reasonable accommodations.
For children, the ADA and Section 504 are most important in the school setting. Schools, as government entities, have an obligation to offer "reasonable accommodations" -- which can include AT -- to make their services available to children with disabilities.
These federal laws ensure that all children with disabilities have access to all the facilities and programs of a school. In doing so, they can go beyond what might be required under IDEA.
This means:
If your child is denied AT required under the ADA or Section 504, you can file complaints with government agencies responsible for insuring these rules are followed.
If you have private insurance-either through an employer or on your own-and meet the specified criteria in the insurance contract, you are legally entitled to AT.
There are two important things to remember about private health insurance.
If you have insurance under your employer...
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal law that regulates
employee benefit plans. Under this law employees are entitled to information about what is
covered under an employer health plan. You also have the right to ask for a review of any
denial of benefits and appeal to the courts.
If you have insurance on your own...
If you have obtained your insurance on your own (not through an employer), the State
Insurance Commission might be helpful. Otherwise, you can ask the courts to enforce the
insurance contract.
Remember, when you are seeking funding for AT, don’t be discouraged by rejection. You may be pursuing something that you are entitled to under the law. Call InfoTech for information about how to get assistance to appeal a funding decision and about your other funding options.
For More Information
and Free Assistance
Call or Write InfoTech Today.
As an individual with a disability, you may have a right to the assistive technology you need. Many funding sources -- whether they are government programs or private insurers -- must make their decisions based on whether you meet certain conditions.
Assistive technology (AT) is a device or service that makes certain tasks easier for people with disabilities. This includes communication devices, adaptive wheelchairs, stair lifts, computers, van conversions and many other items. AT also includes home modifications and adaptations such as ramps and grab bars in a hallway or bathroom.
In the past, those who were wrongfully denied AT often didn’t have the help or resources to appeal the decision. Now, help is available through InfoTech.
We have designed this brochure to explain how InfoTech, an IPAT (Iowa Program for Assistive Technology) program, can help if your request for AT is rejected.
All government programs and most private insurance contracts have an appeal or review process that you can turn to if you are denied benefits. An appeal begins with a written explanation of why your application for assistance should be accepted. The information relevant to your application is then reviewed by someone not involved in the initial decision.
If You Are Seeking AT through a Government Program:
If You Have Insurance through a Private Insurance Company:
You have a contract with that company that defines your rights. A contract can be enforced.
If you have been rejected by a funding agency, call us at InfoTech for help.
InfoTech can:
Find Out Why
Once you understand why your application has been rejected, you’ll know more about how to appeal the rejection and apply to other funding sources.
If an agency denies your request for funding, it’s usually for one of four reasons:
To be prepared to appeal a negative decision, you need to keep records pertaining to your case. In a file or notebook, keep track of all paper work and phone conversations. Take notes and write down phone calls and meetings. You should also try to speak to the same contact person each time you call or visit a funding agency.
Remember, persistence often pays off when seeking AT. This means:
There are many laws that give eligible individuals legal rights to assistive technology. Some of the more important of these are described in this brochure. Each law defines certain rights and gives consumers the power to challenge decisions if their rights are wrongfully denied.
For information on the various funding agencies and programs described below, or to receive help on an appeal, call InfoTech 1-800-331-3027 (voice/TTY).
Medicaid is a government program that provides funding for health services. It’s administered through the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).
There are many ways to get on Medicaid. You may be on Medicaid through:
If you are on any Medicaid program, you are entitled to AT if the AT meets the program’s specifications. The Medicaid program pays for durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices, augmentative communication devices, and medical supplies. Many types of AT can be covered under these categories if the AT is medically necessary.
If your request for AT from Medicaid is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the DHS and to the courts.
If you are eligible for Medicare, you qualify for AT if it is medically necessary.
Medicare is divided into two parts:
Part A deals with hospital insurance and care.
Part B deals with doctor’s fees, durable medical equipment, including many items of assistive technology, and other aspects of outpatient care. You must pay a small monthly premium to enroll in Part B and receive funding for AT. If you are also eligible for Medicaid, there is a program that will cover the cost of your part B premium.
Medicare will pay for certain items of AT as durable medical equipment. Under Medicare, durable medical equipment is defined as equipment that:
If you are denied assistive technology under Medicare, the appeal process can begin with an informal review of your application and advance to a court hearing if necessary.
If you are eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation the state is required to provide you with AT if you are otherwise employable and such services enable you to be employed.
A counselor in your local Vocational Rehabilitation office will determine your need and eligibility.
Services are provided according to an individualized plan. You have the right to participate in devising and approving your individualized plan.
If you are denied AT under Vocational Rehabilitation, you can appeal.
Both of these federal laws help guarantee your rights to AT. They prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. This means they require certain entities to offer reasonable accommodations.
Employers are required to make "reasonable accommodations" for employees or applicants with disabilities. These accommodations may include AT. These federal laws also require that persons with disabilities have access to public programs such as public colleges. Persons are entitled to reasonable accommodations to make these programs accessible. These accommodations may include AT.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of a disability, you can file a complaint with agencies charges with enforcing these laws.
If you have private insurance-either through an employer or on your own-and meet the specified criteria in the insurance contract, you are legally entitled to at.
There are two important things to remember about private health insurance.
If you have insurance under your employer...
The employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal law that regulates
employee benefit plans. Under this law employees are entitled to information about what is
covered under an employer health plan. You also have the right to ask for a review of any
denial of benefits and appeal to the courts.
If you have insurance on your own...
If you have obtained your insurance on your own (not through an employer), the State
Insurance Commission might be helpful. Otherwise, you can ask the courts to enforce the
insurance contract.
Remember, when you are seeking funding for AT, don’t be discouraged by rejection. You may be pursuing something that you are entitled to under the law. Call InfoTech for information about how to get assistance to appeal a funding decision and about your other funding options.
For More Information
and Free Assistance
Call or Write InfoTech Today.
You may have a right to the assistive technology you need. Many funding sources-whether they are government programs or private insurers -- must make their decisions based on whether you meet certain conditions.
Assistive technology (AT) is a device or service that makes certain tasks easier for people with disabilities or the elderly. This includes communication devices, adaptive wheelchairs, stair lifts, computers, van conversions and many other items. AT also includes home modifications and adaptations such as ramps and grab bars in a hallway or bathroom.
In the past, those who were wrongfully denied AT often didn’t have the help or resources to appeal the decision. Now, help is available through InfoTech.
We have designed this brochure to explain how InfoTech, an IPAT (Iowa Program for Assistive Technology) program, can help if your request for AT is rejected.
All government programs and most private insurance contracts have an appeal or review process that you can turn to if you are denied benefits. An appeal begins with a written explanation of why your application for assistance should be accepted. The information relevant to your application is then reviewed by someone not involved in the initial decision.
If You Are Seeking AT through a Government Program:
If You Have Insurance through a Private Insurance Company:
You have a contract with that company that defines your rights. A contract can be enforced.
If you have been rejected by a funding agency, call us at InfoTech for help.
InfoTech can:
Find Out Why
Once you understand why your application has been rejected, you’ll know more about how to appeal the rejection and apply to other funding sources.
If an agency denies your request for funding, it’s usually for one of four reasons:
To be prepared to appeal a negative decision, you need to keep records pertaining to your case. In a file or notebook, keep track of all paper work and phone conversations. Take notes and write down contact names and the date and time of phone calls and meetings. You should also try to speak to the same contact person each time you call or visit a funding agency.
Remember, persistence often pays off when seeking AT. This means:
There are many laws that give individuals age 65 or older legal rights to assistive technology. Some of the more important of these laws are described in this brochure. Each law defines certain rights and gives consumers the power to challenge decisions if their rights are wrongfully denied.
For information on the various funding agencies and programs described below, or to receive help on an appeal, call InfoTech 1-800-331-3027 (voice/TTY).
If you are eligible to receive Medicare, you may be entitled to receive AT.
Medicare is divided into two parts:
Part A deals with hospital insurance and care.
Part B deals with doctor’s fees, durable medical equipment, including many items of assistive technology, and other aspects of outpatient care. You must pay a small monthly premium to enroll in Part B and receive funding for AT. If you are also eligible for Medicaid, there is a program that will cover the cost of your part B premium.
Medicare pays for AT that is "durable medical equipment" and:
If you are denied assistive technology under Medicare, the appeal process can begin with an informal review of your application and advance to a court hearing if necessary.
Medicaid is a government program that provides funding for health services. It’s administered through the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).
There are many ways to get on Medicaid. You may be on Medicaid through:
If you are on any Medicaid program, you are entitled to AT if the AT meets the program’s specifications. The Medicaid program pays for durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices, augmentative communication devices, and medical supplies. Many types of AT can be covered under these categories if the AT is medically necessary.
If you are eligible for Medicaid as well as Medicare, you should check your eligibility for AT under Medicaid. This is important to know because Medicaid coverage is more comprehensive than Medicare coverage.
If your request for AT from Medicaid is rejected, you have the right to appeal to the DHS and to the courts.
Both of these federal laws help guarantee your rights to AT because they prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.
These laws also ensure that persons with disabilities have access to public programs such as community programs or senior centers. Persons with disabilities are entitled to "reasonable accommodations" that will make these programs accessible to them.
Employers are also required to make reasonable accommodations for employees or applicants with disabilities. These accommodations may include AT.
If you have been denied AT required under the ADA or Section 504, you can file complaints with government agencies responsible for insuring these rules are followed.
If you have private insurance -- either through an employer or on your own -- and meet the specified criteria in the insurance contract, you are legally entitled to AT.
There are two important things to remember about private health insurance.
If you have insurance under your employer...
The employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal law that regulates
employee benefit plans. Under this law employees are entitled to information about what is
covered under an employer health plan. You also have the right to ask for a review of any
denial of benefits and appeal to the courts.
If you have insurance on your own...
If you have obtained your insurance on your own (not through an employer), the State
Insurance Commission might be helpful. Otherwise, you can ask the courts to enforce the
insurance contract.
Remember, when you are seeking funding for AT, don’t be discouraged by rejection. You may be pursuing something that you are entitled to under the law. Call InfoTech for information about how to get assistance to appeal a funding decision and about your other funding options.
For More Information
and Free Assistance
Call or Write InfoTech Today.
This brochure was produced for the Iowa Program for Assistive Technology (IPAT). IPAT is supported by grants from the National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education. This material does not necessarily reflect the views of NIDRR/ED or indicate official endorsement of its contents.
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