Autism Votes News:

The federal health care reform law enacted in 2010 - the Affordable Care Act - could have profound impacts on insurance benefits for common autism therapies and treatments. The law is now being implemented through regulation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

New! Sen. Menendez keeps heat on HHS to require autism coverage as states implement law. View Senate Finance Committee remarks here.

2012 State Autism Insurance Reform Initiative Map:

Click the map to learn more about autism insurance reform legislation in your state! Updated April 18, 2012

KEY:
Green = Enacted law
Red = Autism Speaks-endorsed bill
Yellow = Working on bill in 2012
Blue = State not currently pursuing legislation

6th Annual Autism Law Summit

About 100 parents, professionals, lawyers, lobbyists, and legislators interested in autism insurance reform met in Salt Lake City on October 21-22, 2011 to discuss how to secure meaningful health care coverage for individuals with autism. The event was hosted at the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney School of Law and was co-sponsored by the Utah Autism Coalition.

Autism Speaks Official Blog

Autism Votes - 100,000 Advocates Strong
by Shelley Hendricks, Director, State Based Advocacy

It was four summers ago that Autism Speaks recruited me to help build a network of autism advocates across the United States, an assignment that recalled my earlier days growing up in the South where summertime activities always included gardening. My parents planted their garden in the spring while my grandmother had a large garden year round at her home in Alabama. Read more...

'James' Law' Signed in Illinois
by Nancy O'Brien

Illinois HB 1610 was signed into law on Wednesday, July 6 by Governor Pat Quinn. Named James’ Law, the law amends the Emergency Telephone Systems Act to allow for bracelets which can be remotely activated upon alert from a missing person’s registered caregiver. The bill was a labor of love, sponsored by Illinois State Representative Karen May, with significant contributions from Elmhurst Mayor Pete DiCianni and Illinois State Representative Patti Bellock. Read more...

Halfway There: A Personal Reflection on Autism Insurance Reform
by Lorri Unumb

Today, as I sit at my kitchen table reading news accounts of the 25th state autism insurance bill being signed into law by the governor of West Virginia, I get emotional. Six years ago this summer, I sat down at this same kitchen table to write my own bill. The mother of a then-4-year-old son with autism, I was frustrated that health insurance wouldn’t pay for the treatments my son’s doctor recommended. Read More...

West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signs HB 2693 into law

Archive of Autism Votes Blog Posts

AV Videos:

Virginia Autism Reform Tribute from Virginia parent and Autism Speaks volunteer, Robert Stephens (February 10, 2011)

From Autism Speaks: Why do I Walk for Autism Speaks? Because Autism Speaks helped pass the autism insurance reform law in Florida (December 2010)

From Autism Speaks: Michigan Lt. Governor-Elect Brian Calley Speaks out in Support of Autism Insurance Reform (November 29. 2010)