ATTN: HB 8 Hearing #3 (3/25/09, 4:00)

[Guest guest]

 

03/22/09   Autism Votes... It's time for lawmakers to listen. 

Dear Ohio Autism Advocate,

Thank you Ohio! 

The first two hearings regarding House Bill 8 held before the Ohio House HealthCare Access and Affordability Committee have been hugely successful, with standing room only crowds and powerful testimony from parents and professionals alike. 

                                 A third hearing will take place this Wednesday, March 25h. At this next hearing, testimony will be heard by both proponents and opponents of the bill.  Now more than ever, we need to turn out in large numbers to demonstrate to members of the committee how crucial this legislation is to the families of Ohio.

                                                        Background:  House Bill 8, sponsored in the Ohio House of Representatives by Representative Ted Celeste (D-24) and Representative Garland (D-20), would end health care discrimination against children with autism by requiring private health insurance coverage of diagnosis and medically necessary treatments for autism as prescribed by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist, including applied behavior analysis (ABA).

   

Here is How You Can Help:

1.  Attend the Third Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee Hearing This Wednesday, March 25th.  The hearing will be held in Room 122 of the State House at 4:00 pm.  (Information on parking and directions can be found HERE)  Note that HB 8 will again be the ONLY piece of legislation discussed at this committee hearing, so the attendance of our community will send a strong message to the committee members.  Please do everything you can to be there.  Invite friends, neighbors and family members to attend with you.  Bring a picture of your loved one with autism.  We need to pack the room!

2.  Contact Your State Representative and Ask Them to Support HB 8.  Be polite and persistent.  Tell them your story.  Remind them that autism is a treatable, medical condition that affects many of their constituents.  Insurance should cover treatment!

> CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE: Find the name and phone number for your state representative HERE! 

> SEND AN EMAIL to your state representative HERE! 

3.  Forward this E-mail to Everyone You Know.  Constituents from across the State of Ohio are needed to contact their representatives and to attend hearings.  For friends and family who have frequently asked how they can help, this is a fantastic way for them to make a huge difference for those dealing with the daily challenges of living with an autism diagnosis.

4.  Register for Advocacy Alerts at Autism Votes.  Stay up to date with the latest news related to HB 8 by registering now!

Thank you for helping to improve the quality of life for so many families in Ohio that are affected by autism.  2009 is going to be an incredible year. 

For more information, please visit www.AutismVotes.org/Ohio.                                                        

See you at the Statehouse on Wednesday!Judith UrsittiRegional Director of State Advocacy RelationsAutism Speaks

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