Many neighboring states in the Midwest are working to pass Autism Insurance Reform. Ohio is the most recent state to work on this initiative. We are very excited that Ohio has decided to fight for insurance coverage requirements to meet the needs of children with Autism.

The following is an excerpt from an article published in Autism Bulletin on 08 Nov 2007 10:00 PM CST

The Ohio House of Representatives is considering a bill that would prohibit health insurers from excluding insurance coverage for autism services.The bill is called H.B. 170, which you can read via the state legislature's website by clicking here. Representatives Jon M. Peterson, a Republican, and Ted Celeste, a Democrat, are co-sponsors of the bill. The bill, introduced in April 2007, does not spell out what kinds of services are covered. According to the legislature's website (which warns that it not to be considered an official record), the bill has been resting with the House insurance committee.The Associated Press published a story Nov. 8 that summarizes a pattern of activity which advocates for autism services will recognize: a growing awareness that autism services for young children can cost families tens of thousands of dollars a year; health insurance doesn't cover any of it; bipartisan support in the legislature generates a bill to change matters; and a health insurance industry representative oppose the idea. It's a pattern that has played out in several states, including Texas (passed), South Carolina (passed) and Pennsylvania, which as I understand it is still pending. (See past Autism Bulletin articles labeled "health insurance" and an autism insurance map for more background on states around the country.) Read Full Article