What Parents are Saying:

The Autism Health Insurance Project was a Godsend.  My son was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 1/2 years old.  AHIP helped our family obtain behavioral therapy that my son indisputably needed from Blueshield Health Insurance Company, which initially denied our request by claiming ABA services was not covered under our policy.  AHIP advocated for our family, without which our son would not have received the therapy.  Thank you AHIP!

Mark, Los Angeles

We started to work with Karen from the Autism Health Insurance Project in January 2010, as we started a 35 hour week ABA program for our son who was 3 years old with a diagnosis of autism and childhood apraxia of speech.  At that point we had been unsuccessful in getting Blue Shield to reimburse us for the program expenses. After connecting with the Autism Health Insurance Project, Karen guided us through the appeal process, helped draft multiple letters and prepare information for an independent medical review.  She was always highly professional, very responsive and extremely enthusiastic.    Eventually we were able to secure 100% reimbursement on these expenses for the entire year – thousands and thousands of dollars!     Additionally, Karen helped us secure significant reimbursements for ST, PT and OT services for our son.   With the benefit of all these services our son had made great progress and gained many skills in all areas targeted.  As a result of this he is much more independent and able to integrate into situations we once thought would not be possible.   The Autism Health Insurance Project is providing a much needed service helping families navigate the minefield of the insurance industry and secure services for their children - for this we are very grateful.

Allison, San Diego

I think insurance companies often deny coverage just because they know we families do not have the time to fight back! Most but not all appeals of insurance denials should be filed with the DMHC. It depends on the type of insurance you have. I believe the process is designed so that you do not need to be a lawyer or advocate to file an appeal. However, I felt so strapped for time that it
seemed worth it to hire an advocate. Karen Fessel at Autism Health Insurance Project was a pleasure to work with.

Marianne, San Diego

My 6 year old son was denied ABA, Speech and OT treatment when his father’s company changed insurance providers in January of 2011.  My son had been receiving these treatments since the age of 2 and I knew that terminating these types of treatments for him would be detrimental as all the progress he had made was due to the treatment he had received.  I was given many reasons as to why the insurance would not cover these treatments and after various attempts to speak with the insurance provider on my own and getting absolutely nowhere with them, I reached out to Karen Fessel, Dr PH Executive Director and Founder Autism Health Insurance Project.  Ms. Fessel reviewed my case and informed she could help me; I was so relieved as my son’s progress and future was at risk.  With Dr. Fessel’s help, my son was able to be approved for the ABA, OT and Speech treatment that he needs and he continues to make progress today.  I can honestly say that I could not have done it without her help; I didn’t have the tools nor knowledge to know what I was dealing with which was very frustrating as my son’s health was at stake.  Once I handed the case over to Dr. Fessel, I felt a big sense of relief knowing that he was in good hands.  Dr. Fessel guided me through process of what I needed and didn’t need and took it from there; she answered all my questions quickly and was very professional in every way.  My son and I are very thankful for all the help.  He continues to make progress today.  I recommend her services highly.

Karla, San Jose

I would like to thank you and Feda for helping our family navigate the complex and confusing world of health insurance.  We spent eight years at various doctor appointments, parenting classes, and therapy before my daughter was finally diagnosed with PDD-NOS and mood disorder.  My relief in finally knowing what was causing my daughter's behavioral problems quickly evaporated when I was told that my health insurance doesn't provide treatment for autism beyond medication.  I was referred to County mental health for all other services.  County mental health told me it was an educational issue and recommended seeking help through the school district.  The school district told me that she was too high functioning to receive any services.

It's difficult enough to cope with the day to day challenges of an autistic child, but the mental and financial burden of trying to find help is overwhelming.  Thanks to you and Feda, I was able to get insurance funded ABA therapy and with the help of an attorney, my daughter has an IEP.  After a year of therapy and a successful IEP, she has shown improvement.  Thanks again for providing a much needed service for the autism community.

Mary, San Jose