Rhode Island

Rhode Island Autism News:

Governor Chafee Conducts Ceremonial Signing of Autism Insurance Reform Bill

PROVIDENCE, RI (August 11, 2011) --  Governor Lincoln Chafee conducted a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 107, the legislation which made Rhode Island the 27th state to enact an autism insurance reform law. Judith Ursitti, Autism Speaks' regional director for state advocacy, worked with advocates in the state to build support for the bill in the Legislature and was on hand for the signing ceremony.

Among those joining Governor Chafee (seated) were Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed and Senator Edward O’Neill, the bill sponsor. For more pictures, click here.

News coverage of the bill signing included:
'Chafee signs autism insurance bill'  WJAR NBC-10
Gov. Chafee Conducts Ceremonial Bill Signing Providence Journal

 
Rhode Island Becomes 27th State to Enact Autism Insurance Reform Legislation; All 6 New England States Now On Board

Autism Speaks Joins with the Rhode Island Autism Community in Applauding Governor Lincoln Chafee for Signing Senate Bill 107 into Law  

NEW YORK, NY (July 6, 2011) --  Autism Speaks joined Rhode Island families today in applauding Governor Lincoln Chafee for signing into law Senate Bill 107, making Rhode Island the sixth and final New England state to enact autism insurance reform legislation. This new law requires insurance companies to provide coverage of autism therapies, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), up to the age of 15.

Sponsored in the Rhode Island Senate by Senator Edward O’Neill and Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed, and in the House by Rep. Peter Palumbo, the new law requires that group health insurance contracts and plans issued or renewed in Rhode Island starting on January 1, 2012, cover treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including speech, occupational and physical therapies. It also includes coverage of ABA therapy with a maximum benefit of $32,000 annually.

“We thank Governor Chafee for signing SB 107 into law,” said Peter Bell, Autism Speaks executive vice president of programs and services. “This enactment represents a significant step forward as it allows Rhode Island to join the growing number of states that have recognized the unfair and unreasonable burden being imposed on individuals diagnosed with autism and their families.”

Some states do not require private insurance companies to cover even essential autism treatments and services. In the absence of coverage, families often pay as much as they can out-of-pocket for services that can cost upwards of $50,000 per year. In the process, many risk their homes and the educations of their unaffected children – essentially mortgaging their entire futures.

“I would like to thank the parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of our loved ones with ASD for their perseverance,” said Senator O’Neill. “They have lived the life of challenge, stress and joy that comes with traveling in uncharted waters. This legislation provides hope that help is on the way."

Representative Palumbo, who chairs a legislative commission which has been studying the education of children with autism since 2009, said, “Rhode Island must do what it can to ensure that autistic children receive the treatment they need in order to combat the disorder. Coverage will break down barriers to necessary services which, for the most severely affected, can cost $50,000 a year or more."

In addition to Rhode Island, 26 states have enacted autism insurance reform legislation. A bill passed by the New York Legislature in June awaits Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature.
 

Rhode Island Autism Coalition Honors Rep. Palumbo, Senator O'Neill

PROVIDENCE, RI (April 28, 2011) -- Rep. Peter G. Palumbo (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) and Sen. Edward J. O’Neill (I-Dist. 17, Lincoln, North Providence, Pawtucket) were honored today by the Rhode Island Autism Coalition for their continuing legislative efforts for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and their communities. Read more...

Autism Speaks' Judith Ursitti Testifies Before Rhode Island Autism Commission on 2011 Autism Insurance Reform Legislation (March 17, 2011)

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Autism Speaks Endorses Rhode Island Autism Insurance Reform Bill

Senate Bill 107/House Bill 5275 Would End Health Care Discrimination Against Children with Autism by Requiring Coverage of Diagnosis and Treatment

NEW YORK, NY (March 4, 2011) – Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, today announced its support for Rhode Island Senate Bill 107/House Bill 5275, the autism insurance reform bill. The legislation would require private health insurance companies to cover the diagnosis, testing, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Summary of the 2011 Rhode Island Autism Insurance Reform Law:

Senate Bill 107 (Sub A) - Sponsored by Senator Edward O'Neill
House Bill 5275 - Sponsored by Representative Peter G. Palumbo

The bills would:

Require state-regulated group health insurance plans to provide coverage for the following treatments for individuals diagnosed with autism, PDD-NOS or Asperger Syndrome up to the age of 15:
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), capped at $32,000 annually


• Not alter any obligation of a school district or the State of Rhode Island to provide services to a child under an individualized family service plan or individualized education plan, as required under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or the provision of services under any other federal or state law
  
  
• Require any individual providing ABA treatment to be credentialed by the insurer and:
  
  • Licensed by the Department of Health as a healthcare provider/clinician and certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), or
    
  • Certified as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) supervised by a BCBA licensed by the Department of Health as a psychologist, social worker or therapist