ASA-ASO Action ALERT - HB 8 Amended into Ohio Budget Bill HB 1

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Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:ASA-ASO has just been notified that the language from HB 8 has been rolled into HB 1, the Ohio Budget bill though an amendment. From information sent out yesterday: "Rep. Ted Celeste (D-Grandview Hts.), sponsor of the autism insurance coverage requirement, said he was excited to find out late in the process that his bill was included in the omnibus amendment. The measure had already cleared [the Health Access and Affordability] committee as a stand-alone measure with some Republican backing. “I think we’ve demonstrated there’s bipartisan support,†he said in an interview. One of the more significant policy changes added in [Finance] committee, the autism mandate, which applies to government and private business policies, prohibits insurance companies from excluding coverage for certain autism services. It has been vehemently opposed by business groups who argue that it will increase costs and the number of uninsured Ohioans, while being supported by families with autistic children that face high and extended treatment expenses. Rep. Celeste said the budget language differs from his legislation somewhat in that it pushes the start date back six months to next January, places a $36,000 annual limit on services and imposes additional licensing and oversight requirements for providers. The provision also includes a $1.6 million appropriation to cover anticipated costs to the state’s employee insurance plan, he said."

Please note that there are three significant changes from HB 8 in the language amended to HB 1 - a 6 month delayed start date, a $36,000 annual limit on services and additional licensing and oversight requirements for providers.

The fact that HB 8 has been amended into the budget means that it will be voted on immediately in the House and considered with the next month in the Senate. Floor vote on HB 1 is expected on Wednesday!

Please contact your Representatives and ask them to support the Ohio Budget Bill, HB 1, including the amendment for autism insurance coverage.

Please use this link to write to your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 8 - Please add that HB 8 has been amended into the Ohio Budget Bill, HB 1.

Sincerely,

Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...web: www.autismohio.org An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps!