Find out what type(s) of health insurance coverage the client has. This can be anything from state Medicaid to Medicare, private insurance to Tricare (military coverage) – or a combination of these.

When talking with the insurance provider, be sure to have:

• Policyholder's name and identification number
• Group number
• Client's name, date of birth, diagnosis

Also be sure to find out:

• If the procedure/HCPCS code is a covered benefit
• About in-network and out-of-network benefits
• If a physician's referral is required

More important, however, is to check on coverage for durable medical equipment (DME) or, more specifically, speech-generating devices (SGDs).

Ask if the policy covers the following codes:

• E2510 (SGD)
• E2599 (SGD Accessories)
• E2512 (Mounts)

A full and complete evaluation is the key to ensuring that a device will be funded.

Regional Medical Review Policy (RMRP) Guidelines* require that the following information be documented in the AAC evaluation report:

• Client’s Background Information
• Speech and Language Abilities
• Receptive
• Expressive
• Cognitive Abilities
• Physical Abilities
• Mobility Status
• Hearing and Vision
• Daily Communication Needs
• Rationale for Device Selection
• SGDs Considered and/or Tried
• Recommended SGD and Accessories
• Functional Communication Goals
• Treatment Plan, Disclosure, and Signature

Please be sure the report is signed!

*Please note: Medicare and most funding sources follow these guidelines, as well.

Use the following as a checklist. Depending on where you live and your funding source, you may need more – or less – documentation; work with your Consultant and AAC Funding to ensure you have everything you need.

A complete funding packet includes:

• A physician’s prescription and/or a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) for the SGD. Make sure to include any accessories on the prescription (keyguards, NuEye®, NuPoint®, switches, mounting systems etc.).
• Legible copies of the front and back of ALL of the client’s insurance cards (Medicare/Medicaid/Private Insurance Cards)
• An Assignment of Benefit and Patient Release Form/Client Information Form/ (AOB/CIF)
The SLP's SGD evaluation report that supports the need for the speech generating device.

• Equipment Selection Sheet(s) to ensure proper equipment/ configuration is ordered
• If requesting a device rental, a signed trial evaluation contract
• State Medicaid requirements may dictate other forms. See website for these state-specific forms.

AAC Funding is pleased to announce that submission packets can quickly, easily and securely be uploaded via our website. Simply drag-and-drop onto the page, and your documentation will be received and ready for processing.

Uploaded documents must be physically signed by necessary team members prior to being uploaded to the AAC Funding website.

Packets may also be submitted via fax or mail service:

AAC Funding
1022 Heyl Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691
Fax: 330.202.5840

Packets are accepted via email ONLY from encrypted servers!

If you have any questions on submitting your paperwork, please call us: 800.268.5224.

Once we receive your paperwork, the AAC Funding team gets to work.

We will:

• Verify the client’s insurance eligibility to ensure the submission is forwarded to the proper funding source(s).
• Review all documentation and contact the SLP or family for missing information.
• Submit the paperwork to the appropriate funding source(s).

You can help to expedite the process by:

• Ensuring that all paperwork is filled out completely. Common issues that hold up paperwork include:
• Missing policy holder signature on AOB/CIF
• Missing SLP signature on evaluation
• Different items being requested across equipment selection sheet, prescription and report. This needs to be the same in all three places.
• Copying your PRC or Saltillo Consultant on any email correspondence to the funding department.
• Be patient, but persistent. Don’t hesitate to check with your Consultant on the status. If you have specific questions on missing information, contact AAC Funding.
• If the device is approved, AAC Funding will confirm the order with the family before shipping.
• If the device is denied/ deferred, AAC Funding will contact the evaluator with information on appealing the decision.

Congratulations!

Once your AAC device has arrived, notify your team of the good news.

After opening the box, review the contents. Double-check that everything you’ve ordered is enclosed.

Attach any accessories to the device, and then turn it on. If it needs to be charged, plug it in.

Set the device to the recommended vocabulary, choose a voice and then set and adjust the access method (if included) so the client can make selections on the device accurately and efficiently.

If at any point you need assistance, contact your PRC or Saltillo Consultant. He or she will provide training on device setup, operation and implementation.