If there is anything I am grateful for it is our health insurance. The plan through my husband’s company has high premiums, but they cover a good amount of my daughter’s cystic fibrosis bills. In addition, our state’s Children with Special Health Care Needs plan is extensive. Let’s just say I have yet to pay a penny in CF related health care costs. Which is amazing since CF treatments cost thousands of dollars a month, and The Vest alone carries a cost of $16,000. We are lucky.
Of all the health insurance companies throughout the country, very few have offered benefit plans that covered the expenses of autism therapies. About 1 in 110 children have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and therapies can cost upwards of $50,000 a year. Thousands of families have faced the decision of whether or not to risk financial ruin in order to get their child the help he needs. Often, families must take out a second mortgage on their home, or spend their children’s college funds.
After three years of hard work and dedication on the part of Autism Speaks, finally, State Legislatures are making the move to fix this problem. Autism Insurance Reform has been passed in 23 states. It will require private health insurance companies to cover the screening, diagnosis, testing, and treatment of ASD. This is huge news for families of children with autism.
2011 will see another 22 of the remaining 27 states work towards Autism Insurance Reform. In fact, on January 10, 2011 Autism Speaks announced its first state autism insurance bill endorsement of 2011 for the state of Oregon. Only Wyoming, Utah and Oklahoma haven’t moved forward with enacting legislation.
Early diagnosis and treatment has helped nearly half of the children with autism to avoid the need for special education. It will also allow them the opportunity to go on to lead a productive life. If families are able to care for their children in the best way possible, without the fears and weight of financial concerns, we will be able to save more state money down the road with less special education costs. In addition, we are creating brighter futures.
To find out how you can help your state pass Autism Insurance Reform, visit the Autism Votes web site.