What You Should Know:
- Cognoa, a leading child development and behavioral health company, today announced its inclusion as a covered benefit under Wyoming Medicaid that will cover the cost of the company’s flagship product, Canvas Dx – the first FDA authorized diagnostic for children at risk of developmental delays including autism.
- Wyoming’s coverage of AI-based Canvas Dx sets a powerful precedent for other states as a key step to make early detection of autism and subsequent early support and services a reality for all children in need.
Expanding Access to Autism Diagnosis in Wyoming with Canvas Dx
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains under-diagnosed in Wyoming, with the average age of diagnosis at 6.1 years—more than a year later than the U.S. average of 5 years and 4.5 years after a reliable diagnosis is typically possible, which can occur as early as 18 months. Families in Wyoming often face significant barriers to timely diagnosis, including traveling up to 224 miles for an autism evaluation. These obstacles further limit access to early intervention, critical for improving outcomes.
Canvas Dx, now introduced as a covered benefit in Wyoming, offers a crucial solution to this issue. Designed for use by healthcare providers, Canvas Dx aids in diagnosing ASD in children aged 18 to 72 months who show developmental delays. This device:
– Is intended for use as an adjunct to the diagnostic process, not as a stand-alone tool.
– Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider, including primary care clinicians.
– Can be used in both telehealth and in-person settings.
Clinical trials have shown Canvas Dx to be effective across all genders, racial and ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds, reducing biases that often result in misdiagnosis. By integrating Canvas Dx into the diagnostic process, Wyoming is expected to improve access to evaluations for children aged 18 months to 6 years, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
This initiative is projected to generate significant benefits for families and the state. Early diagnosis and care access could save Wyoming Medicaid a minimum of $2.8 million annually, while on a national level, eliminating diagnostic delays could reduce U.S. Medicaid expenditures by approximately $1 billion per birth year.
“Wyoming Medicaid is pioneering a transformative approach to healthcare that will dramatically benefit children with developmental differences and their families across the state,” stated Dr. James Bush, former Medicaid Medical Director at the Wyoming Department of Health. “This trailblazing effort not only optimizes the state’s healthcare resources but also demonstrates fiscal foresight, as access to early diagnosis and the right subsequent support can substantially reduce long-term healthcare costs. I am proud of Wyoming’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of our children and to removing barriers to support during critical early childhood developmental stages.”
