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How Participants in Community HealthChoices Can Access Assistive Technology

Overview

Most Pennsylvanians with disabilities and seniors who are eligible, or already receive, support services from the Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living, are transitioning into a new Medicaid managed care program called Community HealthChoices. Pennsylvanians who participate in the new Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care program and need Assistive Technology (AT) will get the AT they need from the CHC plan in which they are enrolled. AT devices, however, may be covered by one or more source(s) of coverage and under one or more covered service(s). This may cause confusion for Participants and CHC – Managed Care Organizations (CHC-MCOs). This factsheet and appendix outline how different AT devices may be covered and, we hope, will help Participants advocate for getting the AT devices they need approved.

A laptop with pictures of various graphs on screen.Assistive technology (AT) is any device that helps a person with a disability achieve a more independent and productive life. As defined under the federal Assistive Technology Act, AT is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Examples of AT devices include items such as:

  1. Adapted vehicles;
  2.  Computers, iPads, and tablet software and hardware;
  3.  Stair glides;
  4. Hearing aids and other devices for people who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing;
  5. Home modifications (ramps, roll-in showers, lowered counter tops);
  6. Scooters and wheelchairs;
  7. Seat lift chairs; and,
  8. Safety and security devices.

 

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This resource created by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation