Policies/Waivers

Montana 0208 Comprehensive Waiver

The Montana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (also known as the “0208 Comprehensive Waiver”) for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities is in effect through June 30, 2023. It provides a variety of community-based support services for children, youth and adults, including those diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

Early identification for services is important due to long waitlists for eligible applicants. For example, in September 2018 the waitlist was 1,895 with 70% of that group being children under the age of 19. To get on the waitlist, contact AWARE (http://aware-inc.org/join-our-team/contact-us/) or your regional Developmental Disabilities Program office (https://dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/developmentaldisabilities/developmentaldisabilitiesregionaloffices).

Additional information about the program is available at: http://dphhs.mt.gov/dsd/developmentaldisabilities/DDPmedicaidwaivers

Brandon’s Bill

Effective January 1, 2010 the so-called “Brandon’s Bill” became effective in Montana. “Brandon’s Bill” (2009 Montana Senate Bill #234) requires insurers to cover up to $50,000 annually for a child with autism 8 years of age or younger and $20,000 annually for a child between the ages of 9 and 18.

If you have questions about insurance coverage for autism or Asperger’s, please contact the state insurance commissioner’s office at 444-5239 and ask to speak with a Compliance Specialist.

For more information about Brandon’s Bill, download these documents (MS Word).

Draft Montana State Autism Plan

As of March 2018, autism treatment services are provided to Medicaid recipients up to age 21. For more information, see the Montana Medicaid State Plan Amendment at: https://www.medicaid.gov/State-resource-center/Medicaid-State-Plan-Amendments/Downloads/MT/MT-17-0014.pdf

Health Insurance Premium Payment Program

The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program allows Medicaid funds to be used to pay for private health insurance coverage when it is cost effective to do so. For example, this program helps families keep their private insurance when their child is also eligible for Medicaid. For more information, visit: https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/HIPP

Behavior Analyst Licensing Requirements

In early 2018, the Montana Board of Psychologists outlined the licensing requirements for behavior analysts desiring to practice in Montana. The requirements are outlined in this document (PDF): http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/Portals/133/Documents/psy/PSY-BA-APP_License-App-Checklist.pdf?ver=2018-06-18-141446-100

For information on general disability policy in Montana visit: