News
Washingtonians wait, while other states are pushing legislation through to end autism insurance discrimination. (Media update from Olympia, WA will be available shortly)
Key Senate Committee Stands Up for Families’ Access to Insurance Coverage of Autism Therapies. (Federal Healthcare reform).
Congressman Doyle of PA urging congress to not leave autism treatments out of healthcare reform efforts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Forced to Pay for Autism Care In Landmark Case
DETROIT, June 19 /PRNewswire/ — The family of an autistic child filed a motion in federal court today to confirm settlement of a class action against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The family alleged in the suit that the insurer wrongfully refused to cover behavioral therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), on the baseless ground that the care was “experimental.” complete story …
Video of Senate Health and Long-term Care Committee Hearing for Shayan’s Law.
FOX Feature on Autism Insurance
Parents press states for autism insurance lawsThe Associated Press 10/19/08
CHICAGO (AP) — In Washington state, Reza and Arzu Forough pay more than $1000 a week for behavior therapy for their 12-year-old autistic son. .
In Indiana, Sean and Michele Trivedi get the same type of therapy for their 11-year-old daughter. But they pay $3,000 a year and their health insurance covers the rest.
Two families. Two states. Big difference in out-of-pocket costs….
Representatives Springer and Goodman Visit Keeli’s Classroom
Following up on our story about Keeli and her impromptu speech at a district 45 legislative forum, Respresentatives Springer and Goodman visited her classroom recently.
More than a decade before they can vote, Keeli Burton and her first grade classmates at Rosa Parks Elementary School have already exercised their civic duty, asking state legislators to rally for autism insurance parity.
Read more at: Taking action against autism from the Redmond Reporter.
A place for Alex: Mom struggles to keep family together despite son’s severe autism
Young mom, boy on swing, little sister spying bugs in grass. It’s a picture so normal it barely snags a glance. The mother is Lacey Cairns, however, and normal is not in her vocabulary.
Lacey is a WAA member and the District Advocacy Leader for District 19.
Study:Autism costs strain family finances
Associated Press 11/30/2008:More than half a million U.S. children have autism with costly health care needs that often put an unprecedented financial strain on their families, national data show.
National survey shows impact of caring for a child with autism, three times more likely to have adverse financial strains than other chronic health care conditions.
Autism: Early Intervention
SeattlePI.com 11/17/ 2008
Seattle Post Intelligencer Endorses Autism Insurance Reform.
Very rarely does a Major Newspaper endorse a State Initiative.
The Money Squeeze: Economic crisis devastating for family with autistic son
SeattlePI.com 11/09/2008
From middle class to cash-strapped within months.
This article is about the economic realities facing families with autistic children, and it features WAA member Robert Ott and his son.
WHO SHOULD PAY FOR TREATING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM?
The News Tribune 10/12/08
In treating autism, the healthcare system isn’t fully functional
Los Angeles Times 7/06/08
Should insurance cover autism?
MSNBC, 6/12/08
Many states are debating measures to force insurance companies to help cover autism therapy. TODAY’s Natalie Morales talks to NBC’s chief medical editor, Dr. Nancy Snyderman.
Autistic and Uncovered
STLtoday.com, 4/14/08
An Autism Road Map
Seattle Times Editorial 1/29/08
Autism Help Scarce
Seattle Times, 1/21/08
Families Changed Microsoft’s View of Autism
SmartMoney.com, 5/8/07
Videos About A.I.R
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uAVXcvEulQ
Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin appeals to the State Assembly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2C-Np_-ZqA
Actor Joe Montegna, father of a daughter with autism, appealing for passage of a Bill in Illinois.
Autism Insurance Sought in Florida
Parents of a 9 year old in Autism contributed to efforts in Florida towards statewide insurance coverage of autism treatments.
WAA Media Contact: Arzu Forough: Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
