Unlimited Early Intervention Services Now Covered

Due to changes in Massachusetts law, all fully insured plans are now required to offer unlimited Early Intervention benefits effective July 1, 2009.

The Fiscal Year 2010 Massachusetts state budget included a provision that eliminates the limitation ($5,200 annual/$15,600 lifetime) on early intervention services. These include specialized health, educational, and therapeutic services designed to meet the needs of infants and toddlers, from birth through the third birthday, who have a developmental delay or disability.

While not a change for Tufts Health Plan, the law now requires that reimbursement for early intervention services be a part of the basic benefits package offered by a health insurer or third party. Effective July 1, for all fully insured Massachusetts-based plans, Tufts Health Plan will cover unlimited medically necessary early intervention services delivered by certified early intervention specialists.

We will be updating plan documents to reflect this change, and members will receive updated benefit information upon group renewal.

If you have any questions, please contact your Account Manager.