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Advocacy Efforts

  

An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism

H 3809(ARICA)

Sponsored by Representative Barbara L'Italien and Senator Frederick E. Berry

·     Requires health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which currently affects 1 in every 150 children.

·     Includes the following care prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:

-Habilitative or rehabilitative care

-Pharmacy care

-Psychiatric care

-Psychological care

-Therapeutic care

·     Nine states require private health insurers to cover evidence-based treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and more than thirty states are pursuing similar legislation. 

·     Projected cost impact according to a March 2009 publication by the Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) is less than 1%.

·     According to a 2007 study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, the estimated cost of caring for a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder over their lifetime is $3.2 million.  Insurance coverage for evidence-based treatment is the fiscally responsible thing to do.

·     Providing access to evidence-based treatment endorsed by the AAP and the U.S. Surgeon General will help improve the quality of life of families in Massachusetts dealing with the extreme challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

·     To stay informed about this legislation, sign up for advocacy alerts at www.autismvotes.org or visit www.afamaction.org. 

Autism Speaks' National Legislative Agenda:

  • Support of the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA)
    a bill designed to provide demonstration grants for autism treatment and services
    • Current Massachusetts cosponsors
        • Rep. Barney Frank (MA-4)
        • Rep. John F. Tierney (MA-6)
      • To find out more about this bill or to contact your representative, click here.
    • Support of the Disability Savings Act of 2008
      a bill that will provide a tax-preferred savings benefit for disability related expenses.       
               To find out more about this bill or to contact your representative, click here.
    • Undertake a multi-state insurance legislation campaign
      an effort to change insurance laws and require coverage of medically necessary autism services.
        • Massachusetts is currently in the process of working on autism insurance reform, but does not yet have a bill endorsed by Autism Speaks.
    • Educational outreach to the policy staffs of all major party candidates for President in 2008

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