Action Plan for HB 1588

What is our position on this bill?

We are in support of this bill because we believe it would relieve financial burdens for families who have children who are diagnosed with autism. By having private health insurance companies take on the responsibility of providing support to these children, it would save the government and taxpayers’ money. As of right now there is a waiting list to receive funding from the government, so it could be years until a family obtains any type of support from them. In the mean time, individual families who have a child with autism are paying out of pocket for medical bills and other special treatments. If private insurance companies decide to cover this condition under their policies, it would be cheaper for families because they would only be responsible for premiums and co-pays.

What is our action plan?

- Email and send letters to key stakeholders and state legislators.

- Provide information, references, and links about ethical concerns on the internet via our blog.

- Network with autism organizations and coalitions within the state.

- Support the autism organizations in Virginia and explore their resources.

According to a research study in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Childhood autism is associated with a substantial loss of annual household income. This likely places a significant burden on families in the face of additional out-of-pocket expenditures.” This reiterates the need for private insurance companies to cover autism expenditures. In effort to make this happen it is important to carry out our action plan in a timely manner while the bill is still active.

Who are the key stakeholders?

- children with autism

- their families

- private insurance companies

- the government

- healthcare workers

Who are our Legislators?

Congressman Randy Forbes supported H.Res. 1106, a resolution expressing support for the designation of April 2008 as “National Autism Awareness Month.” It also expresses support for devoting new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism. In addition, this resolution supports improving training and support for individuals with autism and their care-takers.

Congressman Bobby Scott is another advocate for health care improvements, which include research, preventative care, and supporting lower income families.

HB 1588: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Mandated Health Insurance Coverage

What is HB 1588?

-Requires private health insurance companies to supply coverage for those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
-Coverage is provided only for those under the age of 21
-Maximum coverage of $36,000 per year
-Insurers cannot terminate or refuse to renew coverage because the individual is diagnosed with, or has received treatment for one of the autism spectrum disorders
-This bill, if passed, would take effect on January 1, 2010


Sponsors: Marshall, R.G., Amundson, Barlow, Bouchard, Bowling, Bulova, Caputo, Carrico, Dance, Englin, Hall, Hugo, Hull, Knight, Lingamfelter, Loupassi, Marsden, Mathieson, Miller, J.H., Miller, P.J., Nichols, O'Bannon, Oder, Poisson, Rust, Spruill, Valentine, Vanderhye and Ware, O


What do you need to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder includes:
1) Autistic Disorder
2) Asperger's Syndrome
3) Rett syndrome
4) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
5) Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified

Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder include:
1) Communication- problems developing communications skills, both verbal and non verbal
2) Social- examples include understanding how other think and feel, and sharing emotions
3) Routine or repetitive behaviors- examples include repeating words and/or actions, obsessive behavior, and playing in repetitive ways

Treatment for autism spectrum disorder includes:
1) Habilitative or rehabilitative care
2) Pharmacy care
3) Psychiatric care
4) Psychological care
5) Therapeutic care


So, why should we support HB 1588?

According to an article from the Harvard School of Public Health, the total cost of care for an autistic individual can be up to 3.5 million dollars over his or her lifetime.

Care can include: speech therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, family training, nutritional therapies, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, relationship development therapy, respite care

Autism is a medical problem which requires enormous expense; it is not feasible or possible for families to pay out of pocket. Children who do not get good care and treatment early in life are more likely to become independent contributors to society as they age. The less care they get as children, the more care they will need later in life, often requiring these individuals to receive full care in government funded facilities. The approval of this bill will save the government money because it will cost them more than $36,000 a year to provide full care to autistic adults that did not receive proper care as children.