I have written a book on the politics of autism policy. Building on this research, this blog offers insights, analysis, and facts about recent events. If you have advice, tips, or comments, please get in touch with me at jpitney@cmc.edu
Kansas Advocates -- Autism insurance reform is on the move! The House Insurance Committee has scheduled the first hearing for MONDAY, MARCH 12 at 3:30 pm on HB 2764 which would expand our 2010 law to cover many more families. The existing law covers only state employees. HB.2764 would extend the same coverage to all state-regulated group plans for individuals with autism through age 18. That includes coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) up to $36,000 a year through age 6, and then $27,000 a year through age 18. It's important that you let your House Representative know you want this bill. If they serve on the House Insurance Committee, you will ask them to vote it out of committee. If they do not serve on the committee, you will ask them to support the bill and urge their colleagues on the Insurance Committee to approve it.
March 7 UpdateSB.283 Voted Out of Senate Committee, Floor Vote Next MONTGOMERY, AL -- The Senate Health Committee today approved SB.283, the aurtism insurance reform bill, clearing the way for a floor vote before the full Senate.Autism Speaks Endorses Alabama Autism Insurance Reform Bills SB283/HB345 Would Assure Access to Health Care for Children with Autism by Requiring Coverage of Diagnosis and Treatment
NEW YORK, NY (February 15, 2012) – Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, today announced its support for SB 283 and HB 345, which would bar large group health insurance plans in Alabama from refusing to cover the diagnosis and treatment of treatment of autism.
Families paying thousands of dollars a year in insurance premiums would gain coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Senate bill would provide coverage for children through age 9; the House bill would provide coverage through age 18.
Sponsored in the Alabama Senate by Senator Cam Ward and in the House by Rep. Mac McCutcheon, the bills include coverage of behavioral health treatments, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based autism therapy, for up to $50,000 a year. The bill woulds apply to large group health insurance plans regulated by the state of Alabama.
