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Connecticut
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Connecticut Autism News:
Shannon Knall, Autism Speaks Chapter Advocacy Chair, Speaks About New Autism Insurance Reform Law on The Stan Simpson Show!
Autism Speaks Applauds Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell for Enacting Autism Insurance Reform Bill
Connecticut Becomes Thirteenth State in the Nation with Comprehensive Autism Insurance Reform
NEW YORK, NY (June 10, 2009) -- Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today joined the Connecticut autism community to praise Governor M. Jodi Rell for signing into law Senate Bill 301, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. Connecticut is now the thirteenth state in the country to enact comprehensive autism insurance reform.
The Connecticut law requires insurers to provide coverage for behavioral treatments, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, of up to $50,000 for a child who is less than nine years of age, $35,000 for a child who is at least nine years of age and less than thirteen years of age, and $25,000 for a child who is at least thirteen years of age and less than fifteen years of age. ABA therapy is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism... Read more
Featured Connecticut Headlines:
Autism Speaks Joins the Connecticut Autism Community
In Applauding the State Legislature For Passing Autism Insurance Legislation (May 28, 2009)
Autism Speaks "Rally For Reform" for Senate Bill 301 at the State Capitol Building (May 1, 2009):
Autism Speaks Joins the Connecticut Autism Community
In Applauding State Senate Members for Passing Autism Insurance Legislation (May 15, 2009)
Autism Speaks Endorses Connecticut Autism Insurance Reform Bill (May 9, 2009)
Connecticut Families Participate in the Second Autism Speaks Autism Forum (January 28, 2009)
Summary of Connecticut Autism Insurance Reform Law:
Senate Bill 301 - Sponsored by State Senator Martin M. Looney (D-11) (Senate Majority Leader) and State Representative Christopher G. Donovan (D-84) (Speaker of the House)
- Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder
- Coverage of treatments will be provided when prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary
- The bill includes coverage of the following treatments:
- Diagnosis
- Habilitative or rehabilitative care
- Pharmacy care
- Psychiatric care
- Psychological care
- Therapeutic care
- Counseling services
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- The bill limits coverage for behavioral therapy to a yearly benefit of $50,000 for a child who is less than nine years of age, $35,000 for a child who is at least nine years of age and less than thirteen years of age, and $25,000 for a child that is at least thirteen years of age and less than fifteen years of age
- The bill applies only to fully-funded group health plans governed by state law
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Bill History:
June 9, 2009: Governor M. Jodi Rell signs SB 301 into law! Congrats Connecticut!
May 27, 2009: SB 301 passed by the full House in a vote of 140-2! The bill now heads to the Governor's desk for signature into law!
May 15, 2009: SB 301 passed by the full Senate in a vote of 35-0! The bill now heads to the House.
April 15, 2009: SB 301 passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and now heads to the House floor.
April 9, 2009: SB 301 is referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review
March 26, 2009: SB 301 is sent to the Senate floor to be referred to committee.
March 20, 2009: SB 301 is referred to the Legislative Commissioner's Office for a fiscal analysis.
March 10, 2009: SB 301 passed unanimously out of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee
March 7, 2009: Official version of Senate Bill 301 introduced
January 22, 2009: Autism Insurance Reform Bill, Proposed Senate Bill No. 301 introduced
Helpful Links:
Autism Bills Passed in the 2008 Session -
Media:
Above: State legislators hosted a press conference on Proposed bill No. 301 on January 30, 2009
Photo Gallery:
2009 CCCD National Gala:
Shannon Knall, Autism Speaks CT Chapter Advocacy Chair was the honoree for the Gala in recognition of her work in bringing autism insurance reform to CT! Congratulations Shannon!
Pictured above: (left to right) Suzanne Letso, CT Center for Child Development Exec. Director; Congressman Jim Himes (D-4); Shannon Knall, CT Chapter Advocacy Chair
Pictured above: (left to right) Noreen Simmons, Autism Speaks Greater Harford Walk Chair; Shannon Knall, Autism Speaks CT Chapter Advocacy Chair; Sherry Pardy, Autism Speaks advocacy volunteer; Diana Yeisley, Autism Speaks Fundraising Chair
June 2009 Walk Autism Votes booth:
Pictured above: Judith Ursitti, Autism Speaks Regional Director for State Advocacy Relations (right) with Shannon Knall, Connecticut Chapter Advocacy Chair (left)
2008 Walk Autism Votes Booth:
Pictured above: 2008 CT Walk Autism Votes Booth and volunteers
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