Suit seeks coverage of behavioral, mental problems - Omaha.com
Mary Angus
Suit seeks coverage of behavioral, mental problems
By Martha Stoddard
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
LINCOLN — A lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of two Nebraska children who were denied Medicaid coverage for their severe behavioral and mental health problems.
The suit challenges a state policy that bars coverage of certain types of treatment. The Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest and the National Health Law Program filed the suit in Lancaster County District Court.
It names Kerry Winterer, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Vivianne Chaumont, Nebraska's Medicaid director, as defendants.
The two children involved were identified only by their initials.
S.L. is a 3-year-old boy who lives with his parents and siblings in Sarpy County. Among his problems, he runs away, eats inedible objects such as sponges and toys, slaps and bites himself and destroys property.
K.D. is a 4-year-old boy who lives with his mother and two siblings in Lancaster County. His behavior includes screaming, twirling, throwing tantrums, pinching, biting and banging his head on objects.
Medicaid repeatedly denied coverage of treatment recommended for both boys because the treatment was considered behavioral management and because their symptoms are related to autism and developmental disabilities.
The suit claims that the denials violate federal Medicaid laws and federal laws barring discrimination against the disabled.
Contact the writer:
402-473-9583, martha....@owh.com