Iowa

Iowa Autism News:

Hearing on SF 1 Scheduled! - January 27, 2010

Fantastic news! Your calls and e-mails have been effective and SF 1, the autism insurance reform bill, has been scheduled for a hearing next week.

SF 1 would require private health insurers to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. With fifteen states having already passed similar legislation, and twenty more moving forward right now, it is long past time for the families of Iowa to have access to the treatment their loved ones with autism need and deserve.

It is absolutely critical that Iowa legislators know that this legislation means a great deal to their constituents. We must make a strong first impression next week.

Here is How You Can Help!:

1. COME TO THE HEARING! Plan on attending the hearing before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee next Wednesday, January 27th at 2:00 pm CST. The hearing will be held in Room 206 of the Capitol Building. Driving and parking information can be found HERE. Wear red. Help us pack the room to send a strong message to the members of the subcommittee. Autism is treatable. Insurance should cover treatment.

2. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT to see your legislators while you are there! You can find out who your legislators are HERE. Ask them to support SF 1 and HF 1, the autism insurance reform bills. We’ll be on hand to provide a one-page summary that you can share with legislators when you visit them.

3. CONTINUE TO CONTACT YOUR IA STATE SENATORS and ask for their support for SF 1 prior to the hearing date. You can e-mail them HERE. Please personalize your e-mail. Be polite and persistent. Let them know again that autism is treatable. Insurance should cover treatment. As their constituent, you need and expect their support.

Featured Iowa Headlines:

Autism Speaks Endorses Iowa Autism Insurance Reform Bill (February 19, 2009)

Summary of the Autism Insurance Reform Bill:

Senate File 1 - Sponsored by Senator Daryl Beall (D-25)

House File 1 - Sponsored by Representative Ray S. Zirkelbach (D-31)

• Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder
  
  
• Coverage will be provided to individuals under the age of 21
  
  
• Coverage under this bill is subject to an inflation adjusted maximum benefit of $36,000 annually
  
  
• Coverage of treatments will be provided  when prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician, a licensed psychologist, a licensed social worker, or a licensed registered nurse practitioner 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, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  
  
• Small businesses (employers with 50 or fewer employees) may "opt out" of providing this coverage
  
  
• The bill calls for the commissioner, in consultation with the board of medicine, to adopt rules providing for the certification of behavior specialists
  
  
• The bill applies only to fully-funded group health plans governed by state law
  
  
• If passed, these bills will go into effect on January 1, 2010