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AUTISM INSURANCE COVERAGE — ACT TODAY!

The Joint Study Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorder & Public Safety  has heard from advocates and opponents of health insurance reform that would require insurance coverage of proven treatments for people living with autism.

The presentations at the first meeting, organized with assistance from the Autism Society of North Carolina and Autism Speaks, clearly established the urgency and need for autism insurance coverage in NC.

After the actuarial presentation arranged by ASNC and Autism Speaks, the study committee’s second meeting was focused on the industry response.

The Study committee recommendations will be presented at their final meeting which has not yet been scheduled but should occur before the session begins on May 13th.

WE need your help!  Contact the study committee members and ASK THEM TO RECOMMEND Legislation for Autism insurance coverage.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1)         Please contact your legislator to let them know that this issue is vital to your family. If you live in the following counties please email or call ASAP!

Committee Members:
Sen. William Robert Purcell, MD (Co-Chair)- Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly
Sen. Katie G. DorsettGuilford
Sen. James Summers ForresterGaston, Iredell, Lincoln
Sen. Linda Dew GarrouForsyth
Sen. John J. Snow, Jr.Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania
Rep. Bob F. England, MD (Co-Chair)- Cleveland, Rutherford
Rep. Martha Bedell AlexanderMecklenburg
Rep. Jerry Charles DockhamDavidson
Rep. Lindsey Hugh HollimanDavidson
Rep. Earline W. ParmonForsyth

REMEMBER:

a)         Thank them for addressing the need for autism insurance coverage in NC (they have been supportive thus far)

b)         Tell them you are a constituent;

c)         Share your story about why this is important to your child and family.

d.)        Send a copy of your letter to mmorrell@autismsociety-nc.org

2)    Stop by the Autism Speaks table at the ASNC Conference this week.  AS and ASNC staff will be there to discuss the insurance effort and how you can get involved.  If you are a small business owner or Chamber of Commerce member, we want to talk to you. Please contact us!

3)   If you want to help in this effort, send us an email with your name, address including county, best phone number and email address to reach you.

4)   For ongoing updates, please continue to visit the ASNC Blog.

THANK YOU!

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  1. Leatha Rothrock says:

    Just an FYI that desperately needs to be looked at. After spending the last 3 1/2 years on the CAP waiting list in Wilson County, my youngest (nonverbal) son was finally granted an emergent CAP slot late last week (which was back dated to February). We were at long last excited that he would start to get the services that he needs and some type of augmentative communication device so he would finally be able to let us know what his wants and needs are. We were just informed that during the last round of budget cuts by the Governor, CAP WILL NO LONGER COVER ANY TYPE OF AUGMENTITIVE COMMUNICATION DEVICE!!! We simply cannot afford what he needs, and we are at the mercy of the lending libraries for devices, which are limited on supplies at this time. Spare change is something that we do not have. BOTH of our sons are on the spectrum and require different things for their different needs. Insurance won\’t cover any device that is needed, no will they cover some of the therapies that are needed. We find our selves back in the rut of scrambling to find a device that will work with him and seeing if it can be covered by a charity or nonprofit group. What else can we do and where can we turn for help? There are somethings that just need to be covered no matter what. (JMO)

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