DDD Health Plans Information

Individuals eligible for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) can receive physical health services through their DDD Health Plan or the Tribal Health Program. Available services include:

Suicide and Crisis Hotlines

See all behavioral crisis lines including national, county, and TRBHA contacts on the AHCCCS website.

Additional Crisis Services

Mobile teams staffed by behavioral health professionals who travel to the individual experiencing a crisis and provide assessment, stabilization and may triage the individual to a higher level of care, as appropriate are available 24/7.

Facility-based crisis stabilization centers are also available that offer crisis stabilization and observation, including access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and drug detoxification.

Visit your DDD Health Plan’s website or call their Member Services unit to locate a provider near you.

Understanding DDD's AAC Program

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) works with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). They help people who are part of the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) by giving them healthcare coverage. This includes special services, tools, and extras for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). 

These DDD Health Plans Cover AAC Supplies and Services 

1. Mercy Care Plan (MCP) 
2. United Health Care Community Plan (UHCCP)
3. AHCCCS DFSM for enrolled Tribal Health Plan Members

What is AAC?

AAC Systems are special methods used when regular talking isn't enough for everyday chatting and needs. There are two main types:

• Augmentative: This is when you can still talk but use AAC to help.
• Alternative: This is when you can't talk at all, and AAC replaces speech.

Types of AAC

1. Unaided AAC: This doesn't need any tools or gadgets. It's things like gestures or sign language. You need to be able to move your body to use it.
2. Aided AAC: This type needs tools or technology.
   
   1. Non-technology: These are simple things like boards or books with pictures. You point to these pictures to show what you mean.
   2. Technology-based: These are more advanced and use special devices or software. They can show messages on a screen or even speak out loud. There are two main kinds:
   3. Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs): These special machines talk for you. You can choose what to say using buttons or a screen. SGDs can either use recorded messages or create new words on their own.
   4. Mobile AAC Technologies: These apps or programs let computers or tablets speak for you.

Getting AAC Through DDD

Who Can Get It: The DDD offers AAC tools to people of all ages if they're needed for their health.

How It Works: Sometimes, there are limits to how much, or what kind, of AAC you can get. But if it's needed to make your health better or stop it from getting worse, these limits might not apply, especially for people under age 21.

How to Start the AAC Process?

1. Get a Prescription: Get a prescription for an AAC evaluation from your primary doctor. It will be valid  for one year.
2. Find a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP): Not all SLPs can do AAC evaluations. You can find an SLP that does evaluations by:
   
   1. Asking your DDD Support Coordinator, UHCCP’s member services, or UHCCP DD liaisons for help finding a licensed SLP. For Mercy Care, you can contact member services for this information. Or, you can use UHCCP’s or Mercy Care’s website to find one yourself.
   2. Contact AHCCCS DFSM member services for this information. Or, you can use AHCCC DFSM’s website to find one yourself.
3. Schedule an Evaluation: After picking an SLP, call them to set up your evaluation.
4. Get Approval: The SLP needs to get permission (Prior-Authorization) from your health plan. The SLP will send your information to the health plan for you.
5. Appointment Time: You should get your evaluation within 45 days of asking for it.
6. Approval Wait Time: The health plan should decide on your evaluation within 14 days.
7. If Approved: The SLP will call you to schedule the evaluation.
8. If Not Approved, you'll receive a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination (NOA) explaining the decision and detailing your appeal rights..

What Happens During the AAC Evaluation?

1. Choosing Devices: Before your visit, the SLP picks out some AAC devices for you to try.
2. Trying Devices: Up to three devices can be tried during the evaluation. Other therapists, like occupational therapists or physical therapists, may be present and make a recommendation based on their skill area.
3. Device Trial: You can choose a device to try at home for 30 days. The SLP will help make sure it works for you.
4. Final Decision: If a device works well, the SLP sends a report to your doctor for their signature.

What Happens After the AAC Evaluation?

1. Doctor’s Approval: After your doctor signs off on the device and training sessions, the SLP will ask your health plan for permission to get it for you. This will happen within 20 days of your evaluation.
2. Submitting for Approval: They will send all the important information and a list of things you need with the device.
3. Approval Wait Time: The health plan will make a decision within 14 days.
4. If Approved: If yes, your device, training, and accessories will be ordered.
5. If Not Approved: You'll receive a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination (NOA), explaining the decision and your appeal rights.

How Will You Receive the Device?

Delivery and Training: The device is delivered to your home. The SLP who completed your AAC device evaluation will contact you to plan your training sessions once you receive the AAC device. These sessions are for setting up the device and making any changes so it works best for you. They will be scheduled within 90 days after approval. You can contact the SLP for assistance if needed.

What Accessories May Come with an AAC System?

1. Selection Devices: Things like optical head pointers, joysticks, and scanning devices to choose letters, words, or symbols.
2. Switches and Buttons: For members who have trouble moving their arms or head.
3. Head Control Devices: Laser or infrared pointers for those who can't use their hands but can move their head.
4. Software: Special programs for the AAC device.
5. Device Case: To protect the AAC device.
6. Batteries and Charger: To power the device.
7. Power Supplies and Cables: For connecting and powering the device.
8. Sensors and Moisture Guard: To keep the device safe and working.
9. Adapters: For electrical connections.
10. Memory: Enough storage for at least three years.
11. Mounting Systems: To attach the AAC device to a wheelchair or table if needed.
12. Warranty: An extended warranty from the manufacturer.

What is Not Included with the AAC System?

1. Computers, PDAs, or non-dedicated AAC devices.
2. Items not needed for the AAC system, like printers or internet routers.

What if the AAC System Needs a Repair?

1. Approval Needed: Your health plan needs to approve all repairs.
2. One Repair Per Year: All health plans for DDD members cover one repair yearly unless the device is under warranty.
3. Warranty Check: You can ask your DDD Support Coordinator or the DDD Health Plan who gave you the device if it’s under warranty.
4. Warranty Assistance: If under warranty, the health plan helps you return the device.
5. No Coverage for Lost Information: Your health plan won’t cover lost or deleted applications if you forget your username and password.

What if You Need an AAC Replacement?

1. Life Expectancy: The device and accessories should last up to 36 months.
2. Replacement Conditions: You might get a new one if:
   
   1. It’s lost or damaged beyond repair.
   2. It’s been three years, and the device doesn’t work anymore.
   3. Your medical needs change.
   4. The device isn’t helping you, even after training.
   5. The manufacturer says it can’t be fixed.
   6. The original accessories are damaged or worn.
   7. If lost or stolen, you need a police report or a "Find My iPad" report (for iPads).
3. Who to Contact: You can ask your DDD Support Coordinator or contact the DDD Health Plan for any questions about the replacement process.

What if You Need a Re-Evaluation or Changes to the Device?

Re-evaluation may be necessary if your communication needs change, the device doesn't effectively support your communication, or the device isn’t meeting your needs. Approval may be required. Contact your original SLP or DDD Support Coordinator for guidance.

• Conditions for Re-Evaluation:
  
  • After three months of training.
  • If your medical condition changes.
  •  If the device isn’t meeting your needs.
• Getting Approval: You might need approval for a re-evaluation. Contact your original SLP or ask your DDD Support Coordinator for help.

For more information about AAC, please contact your DDD Health Plan.

• Mercy Care - 1-800-624-3879
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan - 1-800-348-4058
• DDD Tribal Health Program AHCCCS Healthcare Coordinator - 602-417-4994

Health & Wellness

• Immunizations (Shots) fact sheet
• Health-e-Arizona Plus (information about health benefits and services)(link is external)
• Tobacco Free AZ – quit smoking assistance

Monthly Member Emails

Read bi-annual newsletters and monthly Office of Individual & Family Affairs (OIFA) updates.

AHCCCS considers DDD as your health plan. When you use the AHCCCS website or Medifax, “DES/DDD/LTC” is used to identify your assigned health plan. To find out which DDD Health Plan you have, please call:

DDD Health Care Services
Toll-free statewide:  1 (844) 770-9500 ext. 7

We will answer any questions you have whenever you see DES/DDD/LTC listed as your health plan.