Rhode Island Autism News:
Autism Insurance Reform Legislation is Moving Forward in Rhode Island!
House Bill 7260, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS, sponsored by Representatives Peter Palumbo, Eileen Naughton, Arthur Corvese, J. Russell Jackson and David Caprio would require health insurers to cover the diagnosis and medically necessary treatment of autism spectrum disorder. With fifteen states already requiring health insurers to cover medically necessary autism treatment across the country, and more than twenty currently moving forward with similar legislation, it is time for autism insurance reform to become a reality in Rhode Island.
Numerous advocates and autism organizations have worked to bring this autism insurance legislation to this point. Nevertheless, there is still a great deal of work to be done to ensure the success of HB 7260. Stakeholders and legislators from all over the state remain critical to the momentum HB 7260.
Attend the House Health Education and Welfare Committee Meeting this Wednesday. It is critical that we make a strong first impression at this committee hearing. We need to fill the room with supporters. Please be there if at all possible!
House Health Education and Welfare Committee Meeting
Room 135, State House, Providence, RI
3:30 pm
You can find information regarding directions and parking here.
(Please note that we are not the only bill on the docket, so the legislation may not be heard until later in the afternoon. Your patience, understanding and attendance is appreciated!)
Summary of the Rhode Island Autism Insurance Reform Bill:
House Bill 7260 - Sponsored by State Representative Peter Palumbo
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Would require health insurance companies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
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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
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Under this bill, health insurance companies would be required to provide coverage of the following:
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Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders - meaning medically necessary assessment, evaluations, or tests to diagnose whether an individual has one of the autism spectrum disorders
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Habilitative or rehabilitative care - meaning professional counseling, and guidance services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore the functioning of an individual to the extent possible
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Psychiatric care
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Psychological care
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Therapeutic care - meaning services provided by licensed or certified speech, occupational, or physical therapist
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There are no age caps
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There will be no dollar, or number of visit limitations on covered treatments
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The bill does not affect any obligation to provide services to an individual under an individualized family service plan, an individualized education program (IEP), or an individualized services plan
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The bill applies only to state regulated insurance plans. It does not apply to self-funded insurance plans as these plans are regulated by the federal government under ERISA law
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If passed, this bill will apply to plans issued or renewed immediately
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