SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah children with autism will likely have to compete for a government-funded program that debuts Monday.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/PuG69K ) that Utah is offering to treat 250 children for autism under a new Medicaid program.
Utah, however, has thousands of children with autism and is preparing to hold a lottery for their parents.
A recent study estimates Utah's autism rate is nearly double the national average.
Most health insurance plans in Utah don't cover comprehensive care for autism, leaving parents with few options.
Autism stunts a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. The Mayor Clinic says there is no cure for autism, but that early treatment can mean a big difference in a child's life.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
