The Autism Healthcare Protection Act came up for a vote this evening in the HHS Conference Committee. The six committee members from the House voted in favor of autism insurance reform — thank you!!! Please take some time to thank each one individually. You can send them each an email here:
- Rep. Thomas Huntley
- Rep. Paul Thissen
- Rep. Larry Hosch
- Rep. Erin Murphy
- Rep. Karen Clark
- Rep. Jim Abeler
Unfortunately, all five Senators voted against requiring private insurance to pay for evidence-based medically necessary care for individuals who have autism.
That’s right, all five! Even though this measure would have saved the state 3.6 million dollars by shifting the cost of therapy from Medical Assistance back to private insurance which should be paying for it anyway.
You may wish to call these Senators and ask them why they voted against private health insurance coverage for evidence-based, medically necessary care for autism:
- Senator Berglin (651-296-4261)
- Senator Sheran (651-296-6153)
- Senator Loury (651-296-0293)
- Senator Dille (651-296-4131)
- Senator Prettner Solon (651-296-4188)
So what is the status of the Autism Healthcare Protection Act? It is dead. Unless the Senate conferees decide to bring it back. So, is it dead? Maybe. As I write this I know that the story is still unfolding.
Now what? The Governor has said he will veto the omnibus healthcare bill — which means we may get another bite at the apple if the Governor calls a Special Session to has out the omnibus bill all over again. I’ve also heard that the Governor is negotiating a deal and there will be no need for a veto. If there is a veto, then the question is, “Can we persuade three Senators to vote for the Autism Healthcare Protection Act?” “Can we persuade Sen Linda Berglin?” I do not know. I do know that our chances increase exponentially with every parent, grandparent, family member, and friend who gets involved in this struggle to end health insurance discrimination against individuals who have autism. As this legislative session has unfolded, our grassroots effort has grown and grown into a strong coalition. We will accomplish our goals — because we have so much to do and so little time to fail. For our children.
I am so grateful to all the parents, friends and family who helped this year. We convinced many legislators that autism is treatable and that our children are worth the investment! Unfortunately, there are still several key Senators whom we have to convince. In the process this year we have built an extraordinary grassroots coalition — which will certainly help us as we all continue to fight to help our children and loved ones who have autism.
Please watch for Action Alerts and tweats in case there is anything else we can do this year.
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.
[...] can read more about the Autism Healthcare Protection Act here. Interesting quote from this link, “this measure would have saved the state 3.6 million [...]
Amy,
Thank you so much for all the hard work you’ve been doing for our kids & families. Even if the battle isn’t won this year, your efforts have gone a long way to giving us hope that we’re getting closer to ending insurance discrimination against kids with autism. We all appreciate you very much!