The Politics of Autism includes an extensive discussion of insurance.
The chairman of the House Insurance Committee wouldn’t commit today to a future vote on a bill to require insurance coverage for an expensive therapy treatment for autistic children.At the Alabama Media group, Anna Claire Vollers reports on a statement from an Alabama football coach:
Parents at a public hearing this morning begged for help for their children, their voices cracking as they described their children’s needs and the challenges of paying out-of-pocket for the therapy. Business leaders and the state’s largest employer said coverage options should be up to employers and compared the proposed mandate to Obamacare.
Committee chairman Rep. Kerry Rich, R-Albertville, said he wanted both sides of the issue to work together.
Most insurance in Alabama doesn’t cover applied behavior analysis therapy. House Bill 284 sponsor Rep. Jim Patterson, R-Meridianville, would change that.
Nick Saban and his wife Terry sent a letter Monday to the Alabama Legislature, urging its members to support HB 284, the Autism Insurance Reform Bill.
"Forty-five US states have laws requiring health insurance coverage for autism therapies," they wrote in the letter. "We are asking you to assist these families to get the help they need for their children and loved ones."
