Anthem: New Partnership Supports Special Needs Children as They Transition From Early Start Program to an Anthem Plan

Anthem's new partnership with Regional Centers in California supports care coordination for children aged zero to three with special needs — specifically focusing on developmental therapies, and other complex cases — as they transition out of California’s Early Start Program and over to their Anthem benefits.

This initiative offers enhanced coordination and advocacy for Anthem pediatric members enrolled in an Early Start program through one of 21 Regional Centers across the state. The Early Start Program is California’s response to Federal Legislation requiring states to offer early intervention services for children aged zero to three who are not meeting their developmental milestones or are at risk for having a developmental disability. Services include pediatric physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapies, as well as other educational programming.

Once a child turns three, they age-out of Early Start services and are turned to their health plan benefits and local school district. Even though this transition is planned, it may result in challenges like finding an in-network provider, waiting lists, and gaps in care.

Anthem's new Special Needs Advocacy team supports your clients during this transition from Regional Center services. Together ensuring they don’t miss out on any developmental therapy while assisting parents in identifying goals and finding new therapists.