LACHOWICZ BILL TO EXPAND AUTISM INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN ADVANCES

IFS Committee unanimously recommends bill to Bureau of Insurance

AUGUSTA – Today, the Insurance and Financial Services Committee voted unanimously to advance a bill sponsored by Senator Colleen Lachowicz (D-Waterville) that would require health insurance carriers to provide coverage for children with autism

“I am thrilled that the Committee gave this measure such a strong vote of support,” said Senator Lachowicz. “I believe that children with autism should get the care they need when they need it, and I look forward to continuing to work on this measure.”

Current law requires health insurance policies to cover autism treatment for children only up until age 5. Senator Lachowicz’s bill would expand coverage to include anyone up to age 21 who is insured through an individual or group health insurance policy.

“One of my colleagues, a child psychiatrist, suggested we address this issue,” said Senator Lachowicz, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. “We’ve both seen parents struggle to give a child with serious behavioral challenges the help they need. They work hard to find services that will work for their child, only to be told that the insurance they pay for will not cover them.”

Maine ranks third in the nation for its incidence of autism, and 1 in 88 children develop autism. There is no medication to treat the disorder. Treatment options include working with someone specially trained in how to provide a consistent structure, and review the connection between the child’s behavior and their environment.

The measure will now go to the Senate and the House for further votes and if passed will be studied by the Bureau of Insurance.