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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2008
CONTACT:
Carol Maravic
717-787-6725
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Sen. Orie Co-Chair of the Autism Caucus Votes for Landmark
Legislation providing for Autism Insurance Coverage
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today hailed passage of landmark and national
model legislation that would require Pennsylvania insurance companies, for the
first time, to cover treatment for a wide spectrum of autism disorders.
House Bill 1150 passed the Senate with a bi-partisan vote of 49 to 1. If
signed into law, it would be one of the strongest insurance mandates for autism
yet achieved in the nation.
Orie said the legislation provides $36,000 a year for Applied Behavior
Analysis and other medically necessary treatments up to age 21, with no lifetime
cap. It also creates an expedited appeals procedure for denied claims for autism
services, as a safeguard to ensure the law is followed.
"Autism is one of the most serious developmental disorders in the country
today and is more prevalent than pediatric AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.
According to recent studies, there is a 1 in 150 occurrence of autism in
children and that number is steadily growing each year," Orie said. "Because of
these high numbers and of the importance of early diagnosis, it is essential
that something be done to help families deal with the high costs of treatments."
House Bill 1150 amends the PA Insurance Company Law to reach out and help
families by providing insurance for autism spectrum disorders. Insurance
companies would be required to cover diagnosis, treatments and other quality
health care procedures.
"This bill will end discrimination for individuals with autism, and provides
them the same medical necessity standards provided to those with cancer,
diabetes, and other illnesses," Orie said. "Individuals with autism deserve the
same quality of care that all those with chronic and severe health conditions
receive."
Orie commended Senator Don White and Senator Michael Stack, Chairmen of the
Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, House Speaker Denny O'Brien (prime
sponsor of House Bill 1150), and autism advocacy groups, including Autism
Speaks, for their efforts to pass the legislation – saying Pennsylvania will be
a national leader in the fight to help those with autism and this is a
tremendous milestone. | 
