Dear Maryland Autism Advocate! Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in over 20 states across the nation including Maryland!
Today, Delegate Kirill Reznik and Senator Kathy Klausmeier, with the strong support of Attorney General Doug Gansler, introduced bills in the House and Senate to ensure that treatment for children with autism is covered by insurers.
House Bill 273, the “Autism Insurance Coverage” bill, will require that insurance companies provide coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, medication, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is a behavioral therapy which is accepted by most medical authorities as the most effective treatment for Autism. It is estimated that 1 in 142 children in Maryland have a disorder which falls on the Autism Spectrum.
Similar versions of this bill have passed in States throughout the country including Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Florida , Arizona , Illinois , Indiana , Louisiana and Texas . This is a hot topic in states nationwide and Maryland should be proud to be a part of such an important movement!
We need your help to get support for the Autism Insurance Coverage bill from your State Legislators...
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS! Let them know that you support the Autism Insurance Coverage bill, that you need them to support the Autism Insurance Coverage bill, and that passage of this bill would mean increased access to critical autism therapies and treatments for thousands of children in Maryland. We've already written some of the letter for you. All you need to do is add in your own words (optional) and click send. It's that easy!
2. STAY INFORMED ON THE AUTISM INSURANCE COVERAGE BILL! Check out the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bills. Stay on top of the latest developments throughout the legislative season and get involved!
3. SAVE THE DATE FOR THE RALLY IN ANNAPOLIS! The coalition of groups supporting this bill will be having a rally on Thursday, February 26 at 11:30 am at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis. Stay tuned for more information in this event!
4. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We need everyone's help. If you know other people in Maryland that would get involved on behalf of your child, forward them this email and ask them to sign up at AutismVotes.org. This is the perfect answer for anyone who has ever told you, "If there is ever anything I can do to help just ask!" Send to extended family members - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Send to coworkers, neighbors, therapists, teachers and friends! We need all hands on deck!
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Maryland, visit www.AutismVotes.org/Maryland.
Thank you!
Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy RelationsAutism Speaks
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