Wednesday, January 24, 2007
BOLAND SPONSORS LAW TO PROVIDE SPEECH THERAPY FOR AUTISTIC KIDS
Legislation Changes Healthcare Requirements for Developmental Disorders
MOLINE – As of January 1, 2007, group benefit health plans can no longer exclude speech therapy treatment for children with autism due to HB 4125, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline).
“As a grandfather, it is a high priority for me that all Illinois children receive the health care they need,” Boland said. “This law is important because it recognizes the life-altering effects of autism and the benefits of early intervention to develop and improve communication skills.”
A report by the Illinois Autism Task Force found that some health insurers in Illinois excluded coverage for treatment for autism and other pervasive development disorders. Legislation was passed to require coverage, but this past year, Rep. Boland worked with the Illinois Autism Society and Illinois health insurers to pass HB 4125 and expand this coverage to include speech therapy. HB 4125 ensures that individuals with “Pervasive Developmental Disorders” such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome receive 20 outpatient visits for speech therapy. Though not curable, these neurological disorders can be effectively treated with proven techniques of early intervention and speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
“It is not acceptable that health insurance companies can exclude coverage for patients with mental health disorders merely to cut corners and save money,” Boland said. “Especially when the sufferers of autism and Asperger’s are most often children, we cannot ignore the need for better medical attention.”
HB 4125 went into effect January 1, 2007. The legislation is supported by the Illinois Autism Society, the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois, and the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.
MOLINE – As of January 1, 2007, group benefit health plans can no longer exclude speech therapy treatment for children with autism due to HB 4125, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline).
“As a grandfather, it is a high priority for me that all Illinois children receive the health care they need,” Boland said. “This law is important because it recognizes the life-altering effects of autism and the benefits of early intervention to develop and improve communication skills.”
A report by the Illinois Autism Task Force found that some health insurers in Illinois excluded coverage for treatment for autism and other pervasive development disorders. Legislation was passed to require coverage, but this past year, Rep. Boland worked with the Illinois Autism Society and Illinois health insurers to pass HB 4125 and expand this coverage to include speech therapy. HB 4125 ensures that individuals with “Pervasive Developmental Disorders” such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome receive 20 outpatient visits for speech therapy. Though not curable, these neurological disorders can be effectively treated with proven techniques of early intervention and speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
“It is not acceptable that health insurance companies can exclude coverage for patients with mental health disorders merely to cut corners and save money,” Boland said. “Especially when the sufferers of autism and Asperger’s are most often children, we cannot ignore the need for better medical attention.”
HB 4125 went into effect January 1, 2007. The legislation is supported by the Illinois Autism Society, the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois, and the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.
