AMC Theatres and the Autism Society of America teamed up last year on the “Sensory Friendly Films” project. The project allows families that have children on the autism spectrum to attend the showing of a new release in a theatre without worries about sensory overload, embarassing meltdowns, etc. On July 11, AMC Theatres that participate in the Sensory Friendly Films project will be airing Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
During the show, lights aren’t turned down as dark, the volume on the soundtrack isn’t as loud, and families can even bring in their own GF/CF snacks.
1. Ask the Company/Human Resources Dept. (HR) for whom you work (where you receive your health benefits/insurance) if the plan your family has is a “Self Insured Plan.” If they tell you “Yes” – you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “No” go to step # 2.
2. If you do not know or are unsure, ask the HR Department if the company has 50 or more employees. If they tell you “No” than you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “Yes” go to step #3
3. Ask the HR Department where/in which state your Insurance Plan is “underwritten.” If your plan has been underwritten in any state other than Arizona you may not be eligible for Steven’s Law.
4. Call your insurance company and ask for “Member Benefits.” Ask if they (Customer Service) are familiar with Arizona’s Steven’s Law/Autism Coverage.If they tell you “No” ask to speak to a Supervisor and ask the Supervisor the same questions.
5. If they tell you “Yes” ask them if your family (your child) is eligible for the benefits under your plan.
6. If they tell you “No” ask them why/what the reason is, and then tell them you want the reason you do not have coverage sent to you in writing.
7. If they tell you “Yes” request a list of “Network or Contracted Providers” or “Preferred Providers” for your area. This will give you all of the agencies and/or individuals who are contracted with your insurance company to provide services outlined by Steven’s Law.
8. Because some Companies have elected to offer this coverage when they are not required to, call your insurance company and ask even if you think you are NOT eligible. If they tell you that you ARE eligible, request it in writing before you make any appointments etc.
Feel free to share this information with other organizations and/or individuals. Questions? No problem! Send an email to jessica@azautism.org.
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Approximately 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism in the United States according to federal statistics as of 2007. These numbers place Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders at an alarming high rate and even at an epidemic level and early intervention services are crucial in the development milestones for children diagnosed. The average age [...]
Yesterday I posted a review of the WELLalarm Medical ID Product. At the end of the post, I had a giveaway listed. I’ve decided to move the giveaway to its own post.
I am hosting a WELLalarm sticker giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a set of two WELLalarm stickers, which come with [...]
