On Monday, two bills were introduced into the New York Assembly – Senate Bill 4005 – Sponsored by Senator Charles J. Fuschillo (District and Assembly Bill 6305 – Sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle (District 132) which seek to effectively end autism insurance discrimination.

This bill is not only important for everyone in the state of New York with a child with autism but because so many companies are headquartered here, it will have significant implications across the country. The bill has been revised from the 2010 bill and seeks the following:

Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders including behavioral health treatment(including applied behavior analysis) , pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, therapeutic care (speech and occupational therapy) and any other medical care provided by a licensed physician.

Provides coverage for physical health problems that frequently occur with autism, such as sleep abnormalities, seizures and gastrointestinal problems.

The bill has no age caps or dollar caps on these benefits.

Does not affect any obligation to provide services to an individual under an individualized family service plan, an individualized education program (IEP), or an individualized services plan. The purpose of this bill is require insurance coverage of for services provided on a supplemental basis outside of an educational setting for services that are deemed medically necessary.

Prohibits bill would prohibit an insurance company from terminating coverage or refusing to renew, adjust, amend, issue, or execute a policy solely because the individual has been diagnosed or received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

We will need your commitment and support throughout the session to help this bill become a law. We will need you calling your legislators and eventually the Governor but we have no doubt that 2011 will be a great year to achieve autism insurance reform in New York.

Here is How YOU Can Help:
1) SPREAD THE WORD! Let everyone know that this legislation has been introduced and ask your friends, co-workers, neighbors and family who live in the state of New York to be sure they are signed up at www.autismvotes.org to receive regular updates and calls to action.

2) POST THIS ON YOUR FACEBOOK/TWITTER ACCOUNTS:
“ATTN New York Friends and Family! Two bills were just introduced in the state of New York that when enacted into law will provide children with autism with access to appropriate treatment and therapies they need. Please help me pass this bill into law by signing up at www.autismvotes.org to receive calls to action!”