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Health Care Coverage for Iowans with Autism Heads to Governors Desk
March 31, 2010
Iowa Autism Council Celebrates Passage of Insurance Coverage Bill for Iowans with Autism
Today Iowa took a step forward in bringing autism treatments to families in Iowa. The plan for health care coverage up to $36,000 annually for children with autism passed in the legislature and now goes to Governor Culver for his signature.
"I would like to thank many on the Iowa Autism Council who put in countless hours in writing recommendations, taking numerous trips to the Capital and working better the lives of Iowa families, said Josh Cobbs, Chair of the Iowa Autism Council.
HF2531 contains language that will provide treatments to state employee health care plans and will cover autism interventions for any child covered by a state purchased health insurance plan with the exception of school teachers. This will allow Iowa to begin to deliver services to families who need them and will serve as the gold standard that all insurance plans both private and public should aspire to deliver to Iowa families.
This bill had broad bipartisan support and will begin to help some Iowa families receive the treatments they need. This work could not have been completed without the tireless effort of many autism advocates and as well as staff and legislators at the Capital. We look forward to the Governor's continued support with his review and signature in the upcoming weeks.
"Passage of this legislation is a great start to helping Iowans with autism," said Steve Muller, Executive Director of The Homestead. "It's a first step in the right direction and lays the groundwork for accessible healthcare and insurance in our state."
The Iowa Autism Council spent 2009 hearing testimony and meeting with state officials, service providers and caregivers, analyzing care for those with autism to make sure it is effective, cost efficient and accessible. In January 2010, the Council recommended to Governor Culver immediate passage of autism legislation to end insurance discrimination for the autism spectrum population in Iowa.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released findings that confirm the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States is 1 percent of the population, or one in 110 children. This number is up from just a few years ago when statistics showed 1 in 150 children had autism. Autism is also 4.5 times more likely to afflict males than females.
About The Homestead
The Homestead is a private, non-profit organization that provides innovative solutions for children and adults with autism, their families and allied professionals. Services are provided in the community, in homes and in a unique agriculture based campus program. Autism is a neurological disorder that severely hinders the way information is gathered and processed causing problems in communication, learning and social skills.
For more information, contact
Steve Muller
Executive Director
1625 Adventureland Dr., Suite B
Altoona, IA 50009
p515.967.4369
f888.228.8476
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