Now that the smoke has settled on the state budget, it appears that the health and human services budget has not brought about the terrible changes that were feared. There were no changes to Childrens’ Therapeutic Services and Supports — which is the source of coverage for autism therapies such as intensive early intervention behavior therapy.
The Autism Healthcare Protection Act did not pass — it was blocked by the Senators on the omnibus health care conference committee despite a huge outcry from the Autism Community and the Disability Community in general. Many parents, family and friends contacted and visited their legislators this year in an effort to pass legislation that would require private health insurance to cover all evidence-based medically necessary care. The outpouring of support was fantastic, but alas too little too late. Our grassroots effort has grown exponentially and we are now stronger than ever. Hopefully, we can all work together over the interim to build support for the Autism Healthcare protection Act in 2011.
Amy Dawson is the parent of twins, one of whom has autism and special health care needs. She began practicing law in 1992 at the firm of Faegre & Benson, L.L.P. in Minneapolis. She also worked at the PACER Center and is a member of the Board of the Arc Greater Twin Cities. Amy’s law practice focuses on issues related to autism, disabilities, insurance and estate planning.
Bob Gunderson inspired me to devote my practice to individuals who have disabilities, their families, and the organizations that serve them. Bob Gunderson was my mentor, friend and colleague and I miss him very much. Bob Gunderson served the disability community as an attorney, as a brother, and as a dedicated volunteer who spent many hours in service to organizations such as Opportunity Partners, Fraser, PACER, and the Arc of Minnesota and Arc Greater Twin Cities.