Legislation requiring health insurance coverage for autism treatments has been unanimously approved by the New York State Assembly (A.10372) and Senate.

 

The passage of this bill sends a clear message that autism is a condition deserving of the same consideration given to other developmental disorders. With this measure we establish that parity and move a step closer to providing families touched by autism with medical care commensurate with their needs and circumstances.

 

The new law will prevent denial of coverage on the basis that treatments are educational rather than medical in their necessity, the most common grounds for refusal. To that end it allows families to appeal denials to an independent review panel if an initial grievance to the insurer is unsuccessful. Therapies covered by this new scope of insurance must be clinically proven and peer reviewed.

 

As a parent as well as insurance chairman, I believe the scales have to be rebalanced where autism is concerned. Clearly, there is more work to be done on this issue, and as we go forward we must be aware of the impact of new mandates on the overall cost of health care. But this is still an important victory.
 
Parents of children with autism and leading advocacy groups have lent their support to this legislation. Below are some of their comments in response to the passage of this bill.

 

"As the parent of an autistic 17-year old son and as a pediatrician, I experience autism both personally and professionally.  It has been and remains a struggle from both sides. I am very grateful to Assemblyman Morelle and his colleagues for fighting and winning health insurance coverage for families like mine. Together, we have won a great victory for the children with autism and for their families across New York State." -Dr. Sharon Humiston

University of Rochester, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics

 

"People often lament the political gridlock in Albany, but this legislation is an important reminder of what our elected officials can and will do to help New York's families. Families here and around the country are literally going broke trying to give children the therapies they need and deserve to meet their full potential. It's time that we eliminate this unfair burden and end insurers' blatant discrimination against children with autism in every state in America."