Laura
09-02-2010, 05:36 PM
from disability scoop:
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/08/19/autism-insurance-divisive/9835/
Autism Insurance Bill Turns DivisiveBy Michelle Diament
August 19, 2010
In an unusual twist, some parents are asking the New York governor to veto an autism insurance bill backed by Autism Speaks because they believe it does not go far enough.
Under legislation approved recently by New York’s legislature, health insurers would be required to cover autism therapies that are “evidence-based and clinically proven.” That’s a problem for some parents. Since autism research is relatively new, few therapies are specifically approved for the treatment of autism, but rather they treat symptoms of the disorder.
Calling the bill an “empty mandate,” some parents say commonly used speech and occupational therapy might not be covered by insurers because they are not deemed autism treatments.
Officials with Autism Speaks say the language in the New York bill is similar to provisions of other laws already in place in 23 states and will represent a gain for families.
The legislation is not yet at Gov. David Paterson’s desk, but once it is, he will have 10 days to sign or veto the measure, reports The (White Plains, N.Y.) Journal News. To read more click here.
More in Politics »Copyright © 2010 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved.Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and will not appear until they are approved. All comments must be in compliance with the DisabilityScoop.com Terms and Conditions. Please stay on-topic, keep your comments brief and refrain from inserting links or using abusive language.
Comments (3 Responses)philosopher says:
August 20, 2010 at 3:07 pm I do not wish to be degrading but to anyone who can comprehend English well the bill is clear. It most certainly would mandate that insurance cover Speech, OT and ABA. It allows for therapies doctors approve. You will never get insurance companies to OK experimental procedures. I URGE YOU TO ASK THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THE BILL. The choice is having no coverage.
I have paid out of pocket for years. Those who oppose this bill are being unfair to my family. My son is twenty. He would not speak if I had not paid out of pocket in 1993.
I was taken to the cleansers by two immoral Psychologist who taught him to speak.
My insurance company paid a completely incompetent Speech therapist who pretended to know what he was doing.
Rebbecca from Autism Speaks explained things to me in specific details and it as I thought.
CALL PATERSON AND DEMAND THAT HE SIGN THE BILL BECAUSE; IT IS MORALLY THE CORRECT THING TO DO!!!!.
Not supporting this bill is moronic.
On what basic can anyone not support it unless they are immoral?
blockb says:
August 20, 2010 at 3:09 pm If someone takes the time to really READ the bill, it will become apparent that the strides that NYS has made, putting NYS in the top 5 states in the nation for Autism care, will be nullified and negated. The Timothy bill that was passed almost 2 years ago will be nullified in so many ways, and all the work we’ve done to clarify wording and treatment will be “deep 6-ed” It’s ultimate effect will make things harder for parents to get treatment. It will subject the “autism” disease to such scrutiny that no disease in history has ever been subjected to by persons with no idea of the scope of the problems they are ruminating. It is extremely sad when the NY Times advocates and promotes a bill that favors the Big Insurance Companies and Big Pharma over our children…maybe they need the advertising dollars more than they need the Truth to be disseminated. It’s even sadder when an organization that I’ve admired and supported promotes a bill that undermines all of the progress we’ve made so far. And the very saddest part of all, is that people now-a-days don’t read the original material anymore to analyze and assess the merits of our government’s actions. They just rely on sound-bites and web articles and editorials from cash-strapped media to guide their actions and support. What a sad reflection on where our society is right now. Go help us.
miles2go says:
August 21, 2010 at 5:55 am The People of New York must understand that the fight is in their state and they will not only help the children of their state but in the United States of America. For the sake of God, we are talking about the future generation that will provide for us all. Why do we have to look like a bunch of idiots when it comes to keeping our country safe and prosper. It is our duty to assist the families with children with autism by whatever means necessary. We are treating the children in Iraq and Afghanistan for whatever caused their delays and disabilities because we were ignorant enough to invade a country without proper cause and fail to catch the No. 1 Terrorist of the century. Now we have the audacity to debate whether a child, born in America, who is non-verbal and has the inability to hold a pencil deserves health benefits that may bring her into mainstream one day and become independent enough to take care of herself. Surely, Governor Patterson, a man with disabilities, should not require much persuasion to do the right thing. Get on board, America, we are not losing the war over there, we are losing the war right here in the land of the free.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/08/19/autism-insurance-divisive/9835/
Autism Insurance Bill Turns DivisiveBy Michelle Diament
August 19, 2010
In an unusual twist, some parents are asking the New York governor to veto an autism insurance bill backed by Autism Speaks because they believe it does not go far enough.
Under legislation approved recently by New York’s legislature, health insurers would be required to cover autism therapies that are “evidence-based and clinically proven.” That’s a problem for some parents. Since autism research is relatively new, few therapies are specifically approved for the treatment of autism, but rather they treat symptoms of the disorder.
Calling the bill an “empty mandate,” some parents say commonly used speech and occupational therapy might not be covered by insurers because they are not deemed autism treatments.
Officials with Autism Speaks say the language in the New York bill is similar to provisions of other laws already in place in 23 states and will represent a gain for families.
The legislation is not yet at Gov. David Paterson’s desk, but once it is, he will have 10 days to sign or veto the measure, reports The (White Plains, N.Y.) Journal News. To read more click here.
More in Politics »Copyright © 2010 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved.Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and will not appear until they are approved. All comments must be in compliance with the DisabilityScoop.com Terms and Conditions. Please stay on-topic, keep your comments brief and refrain from inserting links or using abusive language.
Comments (3 Responses)philosopher says:
August 20, 2010 at 3:07 pm I do not wish to be degrading but to anyone who can comprehend English well the bill is clear. It most certainly would mandate that insurance cover Speech, OT and ABA. It allows for therapies doctors approve. You will never get insurance companies to OK experimental procedures. I URGE YOU TO ASK THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THE BILL. The choice is having no coverage.
I have paid out of pocket for years. Those who oppose this bill are being unfair to my family. My son is twenty. He would not speak if I had not paid out of pocket in 1993.
I was taken to the cleansers by two immoral Psychologist who taught him to speak.
My insurance company paid a completely incompetent Speech therapist who pretended to know what he was doing.
Rebbecca from Autism Speaks explained things to me in specific details and it as I thought.
CALL PATERSON AND DEMAND THAT HE SIGN THE BILL BECAUSE; IT IS MORALLY THE CORRECT THING TO DO!!!!.
Not supporting this bill is moronic.
On what basic can anyone not support it unless they are immoral?
blockb says:
August 20, 2010 at 3:09 pm If someone takes the time to really READ the bill, it will become apparent that the strides that NYS has made, putting NYS in the top 5 states in the nation for Autism care, will be nullified and negated. The Timothy bill that was passed almost 2 years ago will be nullified in so many ways, and all the work we’ve done to clarify wording and treatment will be “deep 6-ed” It’s ultimate effect will make things harder for parents to get treatment. It will subject the “autism” disease to such scrutiny that no disease in history has ever been subjected to by persons with no idea of the scope of the problems they are ruminating. It is extremely sad when the NY Times advocates and promotes a bill that favors the Big Insurance Companies and Big Pharma over our children…maybe they need the advertising dollars more than they need the Truth to be disseminated. It’s even sadder when an organization that I’ve admired and supported promotes a bill that undermines all of the progress we’ve made so far. And the very saddest part of all, is that people now-a-days don’t read the original material anymore to analyze and assess the merits of our government’s actions. They just rely on sound-bites and web articles and editorials from cash-strapped media to guide their actions and support. What a sad reflection on where our society is right now. Go help us.
miles2go says:
August 21, 2010 at 5:55 am The People of New York must understand that the fight is in their state and they will not only help the children of their state but in the United States of America. For the sake of God, we are talking about the future generation that will provide for us all. Why do we have to look like a bunch of idiots when it comes to keeping our country safe and prosper. It is our duty to assist the families with children with autism by whatever means necessary. We are treating the children in Iraq and Afghanistan for whatever caused their delays and disabilities because we were ignorant enough to invade a country without proper cause and fail to catch the No. 1 Terrorist of the century. Now we have the audacity to debate whether a child, born in America, who is non-verbal and has the inability to hold a pencil deserves health benefits that may bring her into mainstream one day and become independent enough to take care of herself. Surely, Governor Patterson, a man with disabilities, should not require much persuasion to do the right thing. Get on board, America, we are not losing the war over there, we are losing the war right here in the land of the free.