For more information on how to apply for medical assistance in PA visit:    PA Office of MedicalAssistance Programs (OMAP)

Obtaining Medical Access With a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, children may be eligible to receive this assistance. Even if you do not plan to use WrapAround services, this benefit can be used for medication and other services such as outpatient therapy.   The following will give you an idea of what you will need to do to apply: Call the Butler County Assistance Office at (724) 284-8844.  Ask for the application PA 600 C - "Access to Medical Assistance for Children, Pregnant Women, and their Families".   Butler County requires that you first apply for social security income (SSI) for your child. If your child is not eligible, you may need to present a rejection letter from Social Security.  This process can be completed by having a phone interview.   Contact the Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213.  Tell the caseworker that you are applying for a medical card for your child, who has a disability. If you don't qualify for SSI, ask the caseworker to send rejection letter.  Fill out the PA 600 C  form.  On the front page list your name and phone number on it, so they will know who to contact.   There is a law  in  SECTION 355.4* of the "Medical Assistance for Disabled Child Handbook" that   basically states that the parents income cannot be used in the calculation of benefits for the child. It has been suggested by members to write "MA for the Disabled Child Handbook: Section 355.4" on the front of the application (large, bold, or highlighted can't hurt). *(This information is strictly told from members;  We've contacted the state to get a copy of this law, however they have not responded.) Some publications in regards to this issue state that you should not put your income on the form.  It is now a PA state requirement. Include your income to prevent delays in your application. During my experience with this process, I was contacted by the Assistance Office and they requested my income.  I let them know that this was irrelevant.  I was told that I still need to provide it due to recent PA state requirements, and that it would not be used for determination of my child's eligibility for benefits.   Apparently, the state is requiring the assistance office to report the families income.  (More than likely this is for statistic gathering...but I'm not sure).  After supplying my income, my child did not have any problems receiving the Medical Access and benefits.  However, the process was  delayed because the Assistance Office had to send another form to me and I had to fill it out all over again...including my income. Before sending your child's application, include as much documentation on his/her diagnosis that you can.  This includes the doctor's diagnosis, evaluations from school (if appropriate), etc. What next???  Take a deep breath while waiting for an answer.  You may be able to receive a temporary card.  Talk to the Assistance Office in regards to this issue.

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