Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take private health insurance?
Yes! We are able to provide AAC and AT services through several private insurance carriers.
What insurance carriers do you accept?
We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, United Health (Commercial only), Aetna, Tufts, and Neighborhood Health.
What types of services do you provide?
We provide services that address the following areas of need: communication; educational/curriculum supports in the areas of reading and writing; and support for physical access to the educational environment/educational tools.
Who can use insurance-based services?
These services may be appropriate for students who need additional/specialized speech or AT services outside of those provided for in their IEP. We also provide services to adults. Please note that we do not provide traditional Speech or OT services.
Does that mean that my child’s school doesn’t need to provide services?
No. Districts are still responsible for providing Assistive Technology tools and services if they are required by your child to meet their educational goals and objectives as outlined in their IEP. Our center-based services may be appropriate for students who need additional/specialized speech or OT services outside of those provided for in their IEP.
How do I know if we qualify for AT/AAC services?
Each insurance carrier and plan covers different services. We would need to contact your provider to determine if the services you are requesting are covered.
How do I request services?
In order to process a request for services, you must submit a Patient Registration Form, along with the information required (copies of insurance card(s) front and back and a letter from a physician stating diagnosis relevant to the the need for AT/AAC).
Download the Patient Registration Form here.
All inquiries and paperwork should be sent to the attention of our Clinical Manager, Jennifer Martinous. If you wish to e-mail your referral, please send it to jenm@techaccess-ri.org. You can also fax it to 404-463-3433.
What happens once you have received the request?
Prior to services being scheduled, your insurance needs to be verified. If necessary, an authorization obtained. This process can take up to 4 weeks. We recommend that you call the Member Service department at your insurance company and verify what your responsibilities may be regarding copays, deductibles, referrals, etc. Please remember that benefits quoted are not guarantee of payment per your insurance.
Once services are authorized, what happens?
Each referral is assigned to the appropriate clinician based on the needs identified and the services authorized. Our staff consists of Certified Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists who have extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of assistive technology and augmentative communication. There may be a Waiting List for services.
To view our staffs’ individual qualifications, visit The TechACCESS Team page.
Can services be provided in our home?
We are considered an outpatient facility. Therefore, all services must occur in our Center.
What are Center hours?
We can schedule appointments Monday through Friday. Our first appointment time is 9 am and the last appointment for the day begins at 3:30.
Still have questions?
Call Jen Martinous at 401-463-0202 or email her at jenm@techaccess-ri.org.
In order to accommodate those with sensitivities, we respectfully request that all visitors to our offices and events refrain from wearing fragrances.