Tennessee Expands Innovative VR Therapy Access for All

Tennessee Enhances Access to VR Therapy Services

TennCare-eligible youth and adults can now access immersive VR therapy services through Floreo.

In a significant development, the Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging (DDA) has approved Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by Floreo, a leader in virtual reality (VR)-based therapy aimed at neurodivergent youth and adults supported by TennCare.

This remarkable initiative opens doors for neurodivergent individuals receiving Medicaid waiver services to utilize the Floreo VR therapy platform. This innovative platform equips users with essential social, behavioral, and daily life skills by allowing them to engage in realistic scenarios and interactions. Utilizing virtual reality, participants can safely navigate experiences that may otherwise be hard to recreate in traditional clinical environments, such as mastering public transportation, multitasking in a work setting, or answering questions in a classroom setting.

Milton Neuenschwander, the State of Tennessee DDA Enabling Technology Director, emphasized the value of this technology, stating, "Virtual reality isn't just a technological gadget—research suggests it's an innovative tool with tremendous potential to help people with neurodivergence to gain confidence in building the skills they need to live healthy and successful lives. We're committed to making sure that Tennessee is a place where all Tennesseans have access to the most innovative and individualized technology solutions that empower them to live, work, and participate fully in their communities."

This meritorious credential allows Floreo to operate across Tennessee’s three Medicaid managed care organizations: Wellpoint, BlueCare, and UnitedHealthcare. Moreover, Floreo's services are now included under various Medicaid Waiver programs designed to assist youth and adults with disabilities in their local communities:

Overview of Medicaid Waiver Programs

• 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
• Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES
• CHOICES Long-Term Services and Supports Program

Throughout recent years, Tennessee has recognized the immense value of VR technology through its partnership with Floreo. This cooperation enables the provision of therapeutic experiences that foster greater independence, helping neurodivergent individuals lead safe, meaningful lives. In a recent achievement, Floreo was awarded a Tennessee Innovation Grant to develop a tailored VR curriculum focused on commuting and job skills enhancement. Additionally, Floreo has been recognized as an assistive technology provider under Wellpoint's ECF CHOICES program and the state’s Medicaid Alternative Pathways (MAPs) initiative for young adults transitioning to independence.

Vijay Ravindran, CEO of Floreo, remarked on the importance of this initiative, saying, "Tennessee's investment in and embrace of enabling technologies reflects not just progress in service delivery, but a broader vision for a more modern, equitable system of care. This new credential builds on our existing work in the state to offer accessible, immersive VR therapy at scale and will help more Tennesseans navigate daily life with greater confidence and autonomy."

Floreo also distinguished itself in 2023 as the first VR autism technology to receive the FDA's breakthrough device designation. With support from extensive research in collaboration with renowned institutions such as the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the National Institutes of Health, Floreo's VR curriculum complements conventional therapies, significantly enhancing outcomes for neurodivergent individuals and those with developmental disabilities.

Provider agencies and families interested in integrating Floreo into their support plans are encouraged to reach out to their Service Coordinator or MAPs program leader for guidance.

About Floreo

Floreo envisions a world that is open and accessible for every neurodiverse individual. Their mission is to establish the first behavioral therapy metaverse, a virtual environment that is secure for learners while equipping them with practical skills they can apply in daily life. The company has developed an innovative virtual reality platform designed to teach social, behavioral, communication, and life skills to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and related neurodiverse conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Floreo's VR therapy?

The aim of Floreo's VR therapy is to help neurodivergent individuals develop essential life skills through immersive and realistic experiences.

Who can access the VR therapy services in Tennessee?

TennCare-eligible youth and adults can access these services through Medicaid waiver programs.

What are some skills taught through Floreo's program?

Floreo's VR platform focuses on building social interactions, behavioral responses, and daily life skills that are crucial for independence.

How does VR therapy differ from traditional therapies?

VR therapy provides immersive experiences that are often difficult to replicate in traditional therapy settings, making learning more engaging and effective.

What recognition has Floreo received for its technology?

In 2023, Floreo became the first VR autism technology to receive breakthrough device designation from the FDA, highlighting its innovative approach to therapy.

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