House Passes Autism Insurance Legislation

 

(BOSTON) - State Representative John P. Fresolo yesterday joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation requiring health insurance companies to cover the diagnosis of and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

 

"With more and more Massachusetts families confronting autism, this bill will provide needed relief for families dealing with medical costs as a result of treating this disorder," House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said.

 

"As a legislator, providing assistance in any way I can to those with Autism has always been near and dear to my heart," said Representative Fresolo (D-Worcester). "The passing of this legislation implements medical insurance coverage to our citizens in the Commonwealth with Autism. This bill takes the necessary steps to transform lives today by providing services and treatments to all individuals with autism, not just those that can struggle to afford it or who fall under the protection of the Commonwealth."

 

The legislation provides coverage for habilitative or rehabilitative care, psychiatric, therapeutic, pharmacy and psychological care for all individuals with autism.

An independent study done by the Commonwealth's Division of Health Care Finance and Policy found that the anticipated increase for expanding coverage would be $1.84 per member per month.

 

Cost estimates indicate that, over the course of a person's life, care relating to autism will cost approximately $3.2 million. This cumulative cost has been a financial burden not just on families, but also on the Commonwealth through Early Intervention services and other state-funded programs.

 

Autism affects 1 in 110 children or 1.5 million Americans nationwide. In 2011, it is estimated that nearly 700 children in Massachusetts will be diagnosed with this disorder that impacts one's ability to interact socially, communicate effectively, and sometimes can leave an individual physically impaired and completely incapable of speech.

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