Montana

Montana Autism News:

VIDEO: MT Bill Amending Autism Coverage Gains National Attention (July 13, 2009)

Autism Speaks Joins the Montana Autism Community In Applauding State Legislators for Passing Autism Insurance Legislation

Montana Becomes the 10th State to Enact Autism Insurance Reform

Video: Autism Bill Signed - KULR 8 News, May 5, 2009

NEW YORK, NY (May 6, 2009) -- Autism Speaks joined Montana families and other autism advocacy organizations in applauding Governor Brian Schweitzer for signing Brandon’s Bill, Senate Bill 234, into law yesterday. Brandon’s Bill requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies.

The Montana bill requires insurers to cover up to $50,000 annually for a child with autism 8 years of age or younger and $20,000 annually for a child between the ages of 9 and 18. Coverage includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism.

In many states, insurers explicitly exclude coverage of these therapies from policies, which places a significant financial burden on families seeking to provide their children with necessary services. Ten states – Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas – have passed similar autism insurance reform bills. Nearly thirty state legislatures have introduced bills this year.

“With the enactment of this legislation, Montana joins the ranks of states that have recognized the unfair and unreasonable burden being imposed on families of children with autism,” said Elizabeth Emken, Autism Speaks Vice president for Government Relations. “Legislatures across the country are introducing and passing bills that put an end to the discriminatory practices by insurance companies against children with an autism diagnosis. We thank Montana's legislators and Governor Schweitzer for having the courage to put families and their needs first.”

Brandon’s Bill, Senate Bill 234, was sponsored by State Senator Kim Gillan (D-24) in the Montana State Senate and championed in the State House by Representative Kendall Van Dyk (D-49). 

Pictured above: Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer (left) joins Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks Senior Policy Director & Counsel (right), and Brandon's Bill sponsor, State Senator Kim Gillan (middle), at a ceremonial bill signing for Brandon's Bill.

Featured Montana Headlines:

Autism Speaks Joins the Montana Autism Community In Applauding State Legislators for Passing Autism Insurance Legislation (April 9, 2009) 

Brandon's Bill Passed by Montana Senate Committee (February 17, 2009)

Autism Speaks Endorses Montana Autism Insurance Reform Legislation (January 30, 2009)

Summary of Autism Insurance Reform Law:

Senate Bill 234 "Brandon's Bill" was sponsored by State Senator Kim Gillan (D-24)

• Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of  autism spectrum disorder
  
  
• Coverage under this bill is subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 annually for a child with autism 8 years of age or younger and $20,000 annually for a child between the ages of 9 and 18.
  
  
• 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
  
  
• The bill includes coverage of the following treatments:
  • Diagnosis
  • Habilitative or rehabilitative care
  • Pharmacy care
  • Psychiatric care
  • Psychological care
  • Therapeutic care
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    
    
• The bill applies only to fully-funded health plans governed by state, to the state employee group insurance program, the state university system employee group insurance program, and to any employee group insurance program of a city, town, school district or any other political subdivision of the state
  
  
• If passed this bill will go into effect on January 1, 2010