Autism Insurance Reform Bill

Dear Washington State Autism Advocate!

Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in several states across the nation including Washington!

Last week, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the Washington State legislature. House Bill 1210, sponsored by State Representative Brendan Williams (D-22), and Senate Bill 5203, sponsored by State Senator Steve Hobbs (D-44), will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. HB 1210 and SB 5203 will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist. Under the bills' provisions, coverage for autism treatments and therapies shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 annually through age 21.

There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This is a hot topic in states nationwide and Washington should be proud to be a part of such an important movement!

HB 1210 has been referred to the Washington House Health Care & Wellness Committee. SB 5203 has been referred to the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee. Both bills are awaiting a hearing.

Until then, we need your help to get the support of your state legislators...

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Click to send an email your Washington State legislators to let them know that you support the autism insurance reform bills (HB 1210 and SB 5203), that you need them to support these bills, and that passage of these bills would mean increased access to critical autism therapies and treatments for thousands of children in Washington. We've already written some of the letter for you. All you need to do is add in your own words (optional) and click send. It's that easy!

2. STAY INFORMED ON HB 1210 and SB 5203! Check out the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bills. Stay on top of the latest developments throughout the legislative season and get involved!

3. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We need everyone's help. If you know other people in Washington that would get involved on behalf of your child, forward them this email and ask them to sign up at www.autismvotes.org. This is the perfect answer for anyone who has ever told you, "If there is ever anything I can do to help just ask!" Send to extended family members - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Send to coworkers, neighbors, therapists, teachers and friends! We need all hands on deck!

For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Washington State, visit www.AutismVotes.org/WashingtonState.

Have a great week!

Arzu Forough
Chapter Advocacy Chair, Washington State
Autism Speaks