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.