Legislative News

There are various topics of legislation that surround autism. They include, but are not limited to:

• Autism Awareness
• Education
• Insurance
• Finances

Where these topics are broad, there are specific issues within these topics that are currently in the legislative process, such as funding research, tax credits, respite funding, and training educational professionals, mandating insurance coverage.

 

Insurance Reform

Many insurance companies will not cover autism diagnosis and treatment options.  Many parents who pursue ABA therapy end up personally and privately funding their own programs.  Currently, 15 states have mandatory autism coverage in their insurance laws. Unfortunately, New York is not one of them.

But there is hope! Currently, there are two bills that have been introduced in 2009:

Senate Bill 2366 - Sponsored by State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District)
Assembly Bill 6001 - Sponsored by State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (20th Assembly District)

Both bills are currently are being evaluated by the respective Insurance Committees.

A summary of what is contained in these bills include:Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD

• Will not affect a child's IFSP or IEP
• Coverage will be provided to individuals under the age of 21
• Coverage maximum benefit of $36,000 annually
• Coverage of treatments will be provided when prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary

Get involved! To support New York State Insurance Reform mandating insurance coverage of autism treatment, go here and see how you can contact your representatives and tell them this is important to you or email FEAT and we can help you through the process!

Please check back for updates on legislation and how you can help!