The TEFRA Option, also known as the Katie Beckett Option, provides states an opportunity to extend Medicaid to children with disabilities who would not qualify for Medicaid otherwise. TEFRA has primarily focused on children with physical disabilities, but it also should apply to children with serious emotional disturbance (SED) who need the same level of care provided in a psychiatric hospital. No other studies have been conducted on the extent to which children with serious emotional disturbance are able to apply for the option
We surveyed the 21 states with the TEFRA Option to determine the extent to which children with serious emotional disturbance are able to apply for the Option. We will present information on 1) the number of children in the TEFRA Option; 2) the percent of children in TEFRA who have a primary diagnosis of SED; 3) how states decide which children with SED qualify for the option; 4) changes in the program; and 5) whether its availability has reduced the number of children in child welfare and the juvenile justice system. In addition, we will present the findings from a survey of 15 states that have not selected the option. We will examine barriers such as financial impact, required paperwork, and other disincentives for selecting this option. We will also develop policy options for increasing states with this option.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participatnt in this session will be able to: 1) Describe the TEFRA Option and how children with SED can be eligible 2) List the states with the TEFRA Option that allow children with SED to apply for the option. 3) Discuss whether its availability has reduced the number of children in the child welfare and the juvenile justice system. 4) Describe the barriers for states to selection the Option and list policy options to make it easier for states
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.