It is unfortunate that many people go without health insurance because they fear they can not afford it. Others go uninsured because they have a disability, such as autism, that makes it more expensive to secure health insurance coverage. However, there are options available to find a low cost health insurance quote for autistic individuals.

Independent health insurance carriers usually evaluate an applicant’s health status when determining a health insurance quote, or denying health care to individuals. This can make it tough to get private health insurance with an autism diagnosis. The good news is that a carrier can never legally evaluate the health of the insured, or the insured’s child, as part of an employer sponsored health plan. For this reason, employer sponsored health insurance coverage is the best bet for anyone seeking coverage with a disability, such as autism. Employer sponsored health insurance plans also cannot increase insurance rates based on autism diagnosis alone.

If there is no employer sponsored health insurance available, in some states there are Medicaid waivers that will offer low or no-cost government sponsored health insurance to individuals with an autism diagnosis. Consider applying for social security if disabled. In addition, contact a local social services office to learn more about Medicaid waivers for autism. There are a number of programs that help ensure child health insurance for families with moderate income. Each state is responsible for managing their local program and facilitating the application process to ensure kids with disabilities, such as autism, are able to locate child health insurance. In 2009, US president Barrack Obama expanded the program to include 4 million children previously denied by the program on the basis of income. This expansion made the program available to those that otherwise exceeded income limits.

If there is no employer sponsored health insurance, and the criteria isn’t met for government sponsored health insurance, the next step will be to consider privately purchased low-cost health insurance. A managed care plan is typically the least expensive option. When using a managed care plan, all health care visits must strictly adhere to the terms of the insurance policy. An indemnity plan is another low-cost option, but may be a bit more expensive than a managed care plan. An indemnity plan will offer more flexibility in obtaining health care services. For more information on specific health care plans, seek a list of licensed health insurance carriers in the local state. This can be found online, or from the state’s department of insurance. When considering private insurance options for a person with autism, be sure to ask questions about the therapy services provided in the coverage, including occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.