Lawmakers call on governor to ensure early intervention providers get reimbursement from state

An outdated funding system is causing many programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays to shut down - but a bill passed by state legislators may fix the problem.

Places like Los Niños, an early intervention services facility in Hawthorne, are struggling to stay open because of the cost of doing paperwork for insurance reimbursement.

Edita Diaz, the president of Los Niños, joined local and state leaders to call on the governor to sign a bill that could solve the problem.

The bill would ensure early intervention providers receive reimbursement payments directly from the state via a fund paid for in advance by health insurance companies.

It's in contrast to the current system that causes delays in payments.

"Providers go out of business because they can't withstand the float. The children are on waitlist because of the lack of providers," says Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.

Experts say early intervention before the age of 3 saves money in the long term by preventing many children from needing special needs services in grade school.

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