Fw: Ask Your State Senator to Support Families Affected by Autism

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CahoonMom to Tristan my beautiful 8 yr old son with autism.1 in every 150 children are born with autism in the US My new email michellecahoon@...From: Autism Society of America <lee.grossman@...>Subject: Ask Your State Senator to Support Families Affected by Autismmichellecahoon@...Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 2:49 PM

Autism Society of America

The Autism Society of America joins with the Autism Society of America-Heartland, The Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation (KCAL) and other groups in support of Senate Bill 12 (The Accessing Autism Services Bill, or “Kate’s Law”). This bill will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Kate’s Law will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist. Unfortunately, coverage for autism treatments and therapies shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $75,000 annually through age 21.

Eight states have already passed legislation and several have legislation pending to require health insurance carriers to cover essential autism treatments. In the absence of coverage and understanding the importance of early and effective intervention, families often pay as much as they can afford out of pocket, risking their homes and futures in these tough economic times. We can do better.

Our families in Kansas must let their voices be heard at this crucial time. Senate Bill 12 was reported out and heard in the Kansas Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on Thursday, January 29. Our community was present in large numbers and did a fantastic job educating the committee about the need for appropriate insurance coverage to improve their quality of life.

However, the battle for appropriate health insurance coverage for individuals with ASD in far from over. The health insurance and small business lobbies both spoke out in opposition of Senate Bill 12 at the hearing and will be formidable opponents in the future.

The time to act is now. Please contact your Kansas Senator today and let them know that you are counting on them to support Kate's Law. This legislation will go a long way toward ensuring that children have access to early intervention in order to substantial enhance their quality of life. AUTISM is TREATABLE.

Take Action Today!

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