Re: State of IL covers Autism

[Guest guest]

Many Congratulations!

Jana <janak@...> wrote: *Autism

Insurance Bill Passes Both Houses*

On November 20^th , both House of the Illinois General Assembly passed

Senate Bill 0934. The bill, sponsored in the Senate by DeLeo

(Chicago) would require insurance companies to provide individuals under

21 years of age coverage for autism spectrum disorders including

diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The coverage shall

be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year.

Many individuals have struggled with costs of diagnosis, treatment and

therapies that were not covered by their insurance coverage. A November

21^st CNN article quotes the Autism Society of America that a family's

lifetime costs for caring for a child with autism can reach as high as

$5 million. Each month, parents report they pay thousands of dollars for

treatment and therapy. And in most cases, insurance, even good

insurance, won't cover all of the fees.

SB0934 was sent to the Governor on November 25^th . The Chicago Tribune

(November 21^st ) stated Governor Rod Blagojevich

<http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/politics/government/rod-blagojevich-PEPLT00\

7479.topic>'s

office said he plans to sign the legislation. Furthermore the article

added about 4,500 families across the state will qualify for coverage.

The action marks a victory as early intervention and therapy is key to

helping children with autism gain communication and social skills.

If your Senator or Representative voted in favor of SB0934, please

contact them and thank them for their support for autism insurance.