ABA, short for "Applied Behavior Analysis" is an intensive therapy focused on understanding how behaviors change, how the environment influences them and how learning occurs. As an autism therapy program, its goal is to promote desirable behaviors while reducing those that hinder learning. Empower Therapy aims to develop and strengthen socially significant behaviors and enhance an individual's quality of life by imparting essential knowledge, skills and abilities.

Children who are not meeting key developmental milestones may exhibit early signs of autism. Some possible indicators include:

   

Social behaviors: Limited eye contact or reluctance to engage in physical affection.

Language development issues: Delays such as not babbling by seven months or struggling to form sentences by age two.

Behavioral traits: Intense focus or fixation on certain objects.

Sensory sensitivities: Discomfort or difficulty with loud or unexpected noises.

   

These signs can help guide early evaluations for autism.

Deciding if ABA therapy is right for your child is a personal choice that only you as a parent can make. The team at Empower Therapy suggests consulting with your child’s pediatrician and any specialists involved in their care or education to help guide this decision. It is important to note that ABA therapy is supported by decades of research and is endorsed by key organizations such as the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Psychological Association and Autism Speaks. Since ABA focuses on a wide range of skills, it is essential to discuss your priorities as a parent during the treatment planning process and throughout your child's therapy journey.

An ABA assessment is not a diagnostic assessment, rather it is a time utilized to observe and work with a child to determine what their unique needs are. There is also a detailed parent interview included in the assessment to learn about your child’s behaviors at home, in school and any other environment in which your child spends time. The assessment is scheduled once a family completes the registration process and is informed that there is availability to start therapy. Once the assessment is completed, Empower Therapy staff creates a treatment plan and therapy program which is reviewed and approved by the family. ABA assessments are conducted regularly (typically every six months or so) to make program adjustments as your child continues to make progress and meet his or her therapy goals.

While ABA therapy can benefit many different individuals with a variety of diagnoses, for insurance to pay for ABA therapy services, most insurance plans do require that an individual has an autism diagnosis rather than just showing signs of autism.

ABA therapy is most effective when delivered intensively, the recommended number of hours typically ranges from 10 to 40 hours per week, based on your child’s specific needs. In most cases, fewer than 10 hours per week is not sufficient to see meaningful progress. The clinical team will determine the appropriate number of therapy hours for your child after completing their assessment and developing a tailored treatment plan.

Empower therapy program includes a weekly family training session where the family meets with the BCBA. During these meetings, families are taught how to implement interventions, review progress and address any concerns or behavioral issues. This collaborative approach with families has proven to be one of the most effective aspects of the therapy process.

Yes, insurance covers ABA services and we accept most major insurance plans. Our admissions team works with families to verify insurance coverage, provide an overview of financial commitments and help create plans and lessen surprises along the path to receiving ABA therapy. Please contact us for assistance in verifying your individual coverage and to discuss considerations.

A provider delivers a service to a patient, documenting the type of service and its duration. This information is then submitted to the patient's insurance carrier as a claim. The insurance carrier typically takes 15 to 45 calendar days to determine the patient's financial responsibility. If the patient has not yet met their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, the insurance carrier will outline the amounts for the deductible, copayment or coinsurance that the patient is responsible for paying.

When a patient has not met their deductible, the insurance carrier will pay 0% of the claim. This means that 100% of the amount will be the patient or guarantor’s responsibility to pay. Once the patient’s deductible has been met, the patient will still have an out-of-pocket maximum to satisfy. This means that the patient or guarantor will be responsible for their coinsurance or copay amount.

How it works:  If your health plan’s deductible is $1,500, you’ll pay 100% of eligible health care expenses until the bills total $1,500. After that, you share the cost with your health plan by paying coinsurance or a copay.

After the patient’s deductible has been satisfied, the insurance carrier will share the costs of the healthcare services. Coinsurance is typically a percentage of the amount that the insurance carrier allows to be charged for services.

How it works: You have paid $1,500 in health care expenses and met your deductible. When you go to the doctor, instead of paying all costs, you and your health plan share the cost. For example, your health plan pays 70%. The 30% you pay is your coinsurance.

A copay is a fixed amount that a patient pays for healthcare services. This amount can vary depending on the type or location of service.

How it works: Your health plan determines what your copay is for different types of services and when you have one. You may have a copay before you have finished paying toward your deductible. You may also have a copay after you pay your deductible and when you owe coinsurance.

Once your insurance carrier processes your claims within 15–45* days, they will determine your patient balance. This is a general timeframe; not all claims will be processed within 15–45 days. After your insurance carrier has assigned a balance to you, MHRCM (Billing Dept) will mail you a statement on a monthly basis.

MHRCM is responsible for managing the billing department for Empower Therapy. This means that MHRCM will track your bills and send statements directly to you, allowing for a more streamlined billing process and ensuring consistency in financial communications. This arrangement helps both organizations maintain clarity and efficiency in their billing practices.

No! Empower Therapy understands that healthcare is expensive and we offer flexible payment plans that you can afford. Plans are offered on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. When you receive your statement in the email, follow the instructions at the bottom of the statement to set up a payment plan online or call one of our dedicated patient statement representatives.