Although insurance companies do purchase some assistive technology, insurance plans and policies are often silent about exactly what technology and services are covered. However, technology and services must be medically necessary in order to be covered through health insurance. School districts may purchase technology devices for their students if it is written into the child's Individual Education Plan. If a school district does purchase equipment, then it is owned by the district, not by the user. This may mean that the student will have to leave the equipment at school after school hours, during the summer or permanently, if the child moves or graduates.
Schools require assistive technology to be a necessity for the child's education.
The 1996 Omnibus K - 12 Education Bill requires school districts to provide assessment including assistive technology assessment. The statute provides some reimbursement to the school district of origin for its expense in providing a device to a child with a disability. Please be alert to changes effective in July of 2000. Assistive Technology can be billed to Medical Assistance free of parent fee. They also offer an Independent Living program for people with severe disabilities, and may purchase assistive technology if the device or service will lead to increased independence.