Autism Insurance Reform Bill (HB 0067_001) has been submitted by Representative Barbara A. L’Italien (D-42) and Senator Frederick Berry (D-7). The bill will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. It will require coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by the insured’s treating physician or psychologist. There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills.
For more information and to ask your Represenative and Senator to cosponsor this legislation http://www.autismvotes.org/sit…
As a Special Needs teacher, who works exclusively with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, I have had the opportunity to see the profound difference that early intervention and ABA therapy can have on a child’s educational achievement and quality of life. Applied Behavioral Analysis, rooted in behavioral psychology, is the only research-based intervention with decades of empirical evidence of effectiveness however; parents often have tremendous difficulty accessing services for their children. As the incidence rates continue to rise for children and families impacted by this neurobiological disorder, a collaborative effort of shared responsibility between the medical and educational communities, is required.
