SENATE APPROVES INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Posted: May 01, 2014 | Front Page, Senator Lachowicz

Overrides 15th LePage veto

 

AUGUSTA—One day after Autism Awareness month, the Senate voted 30-5 to override Governor LePage’s veto of a bill to expand health insurance coverage for children with autism spectrum disorder.



“Under this bill, more parents would be able to access critical services to help their children,” said Democratic Senator Colleen Lachowicz of Waterville, the sponsor of the bill. “We know that early access and regular treatment can make all the difference for children with autism and this measure will result in more Maine children receiving the critical care and treatment they need.”



Thirty-two states have clear insurance mandates for autism coverage, among which Maine is the most restrictive state by limiting treatment to ages 5 and under. Senator Lachowicz’s bill would expanded coverage to include any child up to age 10 who is insured through an individual or group health insurance policy.

 

“Parents of children with serious behavioral challenges are struggling to get help,” added Senator Lachowicz. “They work hard to find services that will work for their children, and they deserve adequate insurance coverage.”



There is no medication to treat autism. 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 House will now take up the veto of the bill,LD 347, “An Act to Amend Insurance Coverage for Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders.” The bill was initially approved in the House in a 101-38 vote.



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