Will Regional Center cover out-of-pocket providers as a payer of last resort?

Regional Centers can provide copay assistance for providers who are in-network with the client's insurance plan, whether that is private insurance or Medi-Cal. Regional Center clients must have a household income under a certain threshold to qualify for copayment assistance.

Generally, outside of the Self-Determination Program (SDP), providers have to be Regional Center vendors in order to be paid. There are a few exceptions but very few, and it depends on which Regional Center, so ask your service coordinator if you are able to get out-of-network providers covered.

For more information about what Regional Centers may provide, see our article Eligibility Under the Lanterman Act: Regional Center Services After Age 3. You can also follow our step-by-step guide to out-of-network reimbursement.