Recent dialogue with senior officials at DHS raises concern that coverage for IEIBT will be reduced in the near future. Last Friday, Amy Dawson of the Autism Advocacy & Law Center had an opportunity to receive an update from senior officials at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) on the Department’s plan to reform [...]
Archive for the ‘insurance coverage for autism’ Category
Changes Looming for Autism Coverage
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012Legislative Update March 28, 2012
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012The Big News is that republican leadership is anxious to finish the session. There is a rumor that the session could be over before Easter, but that seems unlikely. Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill The Omnibus Health and Human Services bill was introduced this past week by Representative Abeler as a delete-all amendment to [...]
Update on Essential Health Benefits – March 20, 2012
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012Minnesota is working to set up a health exchange that will enable individuals to purchase private health insurance. All plans must include coverage for the “essential health benefits” set. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) sets forth the components of the essential health benefits in § 1302(b)(1), and specifically includes “behavioral health treatment.” [...]
Legislative Update – March 19
Monday, March 19th, 2012Autism Advocacy & Law Center (AALC) Legislative Update March 19, 2012 Committee Meetings This was a busy week at the legislature, as committees are working to pass bills through before this Friday’s deadline. On Wednesday, March 14th, the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee heard testimony on H.F. 1918, which requires the commissioner of [...]
Legislative Update March 10, 2012
Saturday, March 10th, 2012Committee Hearings The House Health and Human Services Reform Committee heard testimony on H.F. 1994, the DHS policy bill, on Tuesday March 6th. This bill, as originally introduced, included language requiring the Health Services Advisory Council to review currently available literature regarding treatments for ASD and recommend authorization criteria for services. This language has been [...]
February 28th Autism Advocacy Kick-Off Event
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012Location: Minnesota Judicial Center 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther king Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 The event will be at the Minnesota Judicial Center, located adjacent to the State Capitol Building, beginning at 9:00am, Tuesday February 28, 2012. The purpose of this event is to learn how anyone can contribute to the needed advocacy [...]
Weekly Update February 5, 2012
Sunday, February 5th, 2012Join us for Tuesdays at the Capitol – Every Tuesday from 10 am -12pm The first “Tuesday at the Capitol” is February 14th! We need your voice at the Capitol to encourage legislators to protect our children. Each Tuesday starts 10:00 AM in the State Office Building Cafeteria with a briefing, and is followed by [...]
What do you think? Should health insurance cover autism?
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011Blue Cross Blue Shield Ends Coverage for Medically Necessary Treatment for Autism!
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011BCBS is ending health insurance coverage for intensive early intervention behavior therapy, according to an article published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press today. See, “Blue Cross change concerns patient advocates for autistic children,” by Christopher Snowbeck, published Dec. 20, 2011 in the Pioneer Press. This change comes after years of covering this effective early [...]
How will the budget deal impact kids with autism?
Tuesday, July 19th, 2011As the details of the health and human services budget bill are hashed out, kids who have autism could suffer. We are working to prevent that, and may need your help when the special session is called.
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.