Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health

26/06/2026

25/06/2026

Dear Guru Readers,

We have an incredible opportunity to come together as a community and make a difference!

The Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health (IRC) provides guidance, to individuals and families, navigating the often-overwhelming world of health insurance. Best of all, they provide their services completely free of charge to those who reach out to them.

One of the ways the IRC is able to continue this vital work is through its charity partnership with the annual Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism 5K. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, October 26, in Natick, Massachusetts, and we would be honored to have you join our IRC team!

Whether you choose to run, walk, or roll, every step you take helps ensure that families facing health insurance challenges can continue to receive the support they desperately need. There is even a fun run for children, making this a wonderful event for the entire family.

Every dollar donated to the IRC goes directly toward helping families access healthcare, maintain critical coverage, and overcome barriers that can stand between them and the services they depend on. Your participation doesn't just support an organization it supports real people, real families, and real futures.

Together, we can celebrate our community, raise awareness, and make a meaningful impact. We hope you'll join us for a day filled with purpose, inspiration, and fun.

Please consider joining Team IRC! We can't do this without you.
Register or donate here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/186352/Charity/35049

18/06/2026

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

"Dear Guru,

My son was recently diagnosed with autism. I’m overwhelmed by trying to coordinate all the services, therapies, specialists, and insurance. Is there anyone who can help manage all of this?

Thank you,
Wanda Guidance"

Dear Wanda,

Many insurance companies offer case management or care coordination services that can help families of individuals with autism navigate care and services.

A case manager or care coordinator can help coordinate appointments, connect families with in-network providers, explain benefits and coverage, assist with prior authorizations, and help identify community resources and supports. They can also help families understand how different services work together — from ABA and speech therapy to medical specialists and behavioral health care.

For families juggling multiple providers, long waitlists, and complex insurance rules, having a case manager can make the process feel less overwhelming and help improve communication across the care team.

If you or your child has autism and you’re unsure what support your insurance offers, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask whether case management or care coordination services are available.

Reminder:
I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.

11/06/2026

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

This month marks the 5th anniversary of the launch of Ask the Insurance Guru. The work we do at the IRC is not possible without your support and any donation to help us continue the high quality service we provide to the community would be absolutely appreciated.

If you would like to send the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health here are ways you can donate:

Online: Through our secure link: https://bit.ly/DonateAIRC or by phone at 508-856-5615.

Check: Please make payable to the UMass Chan Medical School Foundation – Insurance Resource Center, and mail to: UMass Medical School, Office of Advancement, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Donor Advised Fund UMass Chan Medical School Foundation Tax ID -04-3108190. Specify Insurance Resource Center in your Memo

08/06/2026

https://umassmed.zoom.us/meeting/register/m5-sEPNpTGCpE6C_RSUCpQ

04/06/2026

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

"Dear Guru,

A friend recently told me that I could open a special savings account for my autistic son, called an ABLE account, that would let me put monies aside for things he might need, without impacting his eligibility for Social Security. Do you know anything about these, and where I could get more information?

Sincerely,

Dad in MA"

Dear Dad in MA,

Thank you for writing. Your question is very timely, as my colleagues at the Insurance Resource Center just hosted a Lunch and Learn presentation about ABLE accounts! https://vimeo.com/1197466782?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts similar to tuition savings accounts (sometimes called 529 plans), except they are for individuals with autism and other disabilities. The accounts can be used for a range of qualified expenses and are available across the country, regardless of where you live.

Many families find ABLE accounts to be a very helpful tool to save for their loved ones with disabilities and still maintain required asset limits for Social Security and other important benefits.

You can get more information and details about ABLE accounts at the ABLE National Resource Center www.ablenrc.org

Reminder:
I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.

28/05/2026

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

"Dear Guru,

My son recently became eligible for Medicare. He has MassHealth Standard as well.

I received a letter that his Social Security will be reduced by $202.50 every month to cover the Medicare Part B premium.
I thought MassHealth would pay for this premium?

What should I do?

Monica"

Dear Monica,

Don’t worry! MassHealth will pay for your son’s Medicare Part B premium.
It’s complicated, but your son’s eligibility is run twice a month. When his eligibility was run in the beginning of the month, it triggered this letter. However, when his eligibility is re-run in the middle of the month, the MassHealth coverage will be “connected” to his Medicare. This triggers MassHealth to pay for the Part B premium.

Sometimes it takes the system 2-3 months to “catch up” with the Medicare eligibility.

Confusing? Yes, but don’t worry.

MassHealth will also pay retro if this happens with your son’s case.

Reminder:
I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.

28/05/2026

https://umassmed.zoom.us/meeting/register/74thjoSxSV67kUgEeyxlhw

19/05/2026

https://umassmed.zoom.us/meeting/register/M3Tzw47xRgygnQa-mNyluQ

14/05/2026

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

"Dear Guru,

I recently applied for MassHealth coverage for my child and was relieved to receive an approval letter. However, the letter says the approval is only for a limited time, which worried me. I thought that once my child was approved, they would be able to keep their coverage.

Does this mean their coverage is going to end soon?"

This is a common concern, and fortunately, the “limited time” language does not necessarily mean your child will lose coverage. In the same section of the approval letter that mentions the limited approval period, it goes on to explain that MassHealth will be sending a separate request for additional information. The most common request is for proof of income, although it could be for other items as well. The approval letter may also show a monthly premium amount, but that amount can change after MassHealth reviews the income documentation if the request is for proof of income.

The follow-up request will also include a specific deadline for submitting the information. It’s very important to respond by that deadline, because if MassHealth does not receive the requested documents in time, coverage may be terminated. If you have not received the separate request for information, it’s a good idea to call MassHealth directly to confirm what is needed and discuss your options for submitting it. Responding promptly will help ensure your child’s coverage continues without interruption.

Reminder:

I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.