DHS initiative: Reform 2020
Reform 2020 is a 2011 legislative directive for DHS to reform Minnesota’s Medicaid program, Medical Assistance (MA), so as to improve outcomes for people with disabilities, seniors, and other enrollees. Specifically, Reform 2020 focuses on
- community integration and independence,
- improved health,
- reduced reliance on institutional care,
- attainment of housing and employment, and
- reduced use of services that are less effective.
Children with autism spectrum disorder
In 2013’s legislative session, the health and human services omnibus bill set aside $12.7 million for the development of a new MA benefit for children ages birth to 18 who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 
The benefit would provide a “comprehensive set of benefits with early intervention services” grounded in developmental and behavioral science.
Focus on earlier intervention. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the new benefit emphasizes the use of services that do just that. Services are meant to reduce maladaptive behaviors while increasing a child’s communication and social interaction capacity.
Research and best practices. The new benefit also encourages the use of evidence based and evidence informed practices while recognizing that these don’t necessarily exist for children with ASD. Therefore, the new benefit “includes a process for learning while doing, building on evidence that currently exists and closely monitoring results” (Source: DHS).
Collaboration and coordination of services. Finally, the new benefit requires coordination of services in order to best meet the needs of the child with ASD and the child’s family. At the outset, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation of ASD services is required, as is a treatment plan that is mindful of the child’s family, culture, and community.
The DHS fact sheet on this topic estimates that in 2014, 440 children will be eligible for the new benefit, and 880 in 2015. There is no cap on the number of children served.
More information
DHS has a webpage specifically for children with ASD. It includes reports and news updates. You can also sign up to get email alerts when new web content is available.
To learn more about the Reform 2020 waiver proposal, click here.
