Why isnt Autism covered by insurance?
We recently we received this email from Autism Speaks, an organization that is doing great job these days with Autism Awareness. The email speaks of the promise of Autism Treatments being covered by insurance. I say-Why stop at New York State? Why not make it nationwide or worldwide? Governor Plain, Senator McCain since it was part of your platform, why does the support you promised have to end with the election? President Obama and VP Biden, a good idea is a good idea. We can all do more to be supportive of Autism sufferers as we should for anyone suffering with a disease or sickness.
But seriously, can anyone imagine the cost of cancer care, surgery and treatments, not being covered by insurance? Hundreds of thousands of dollars a month or more that I am aware of and I am 1000000% thrilled that it is mostly 100% covered by insurance. That is how it should be in the medical system we have today.
Given the high degree of clinical research data showing how treatments can help benefit Autism sufferers, essentially at every age and stage of life but especially before the age of 3, 7 and 12 years of age. The time has come to get serious about Autism and insurance companies need to step up and begin covering for the treatment of Autism, and government needs to somehow impose on either the insurance comanies or themselves a retro-active refund of coverage or tax credit for prior years spending because $20, $30, $50,000 a year or more on treatment don’t last too long even while making a very healthy six figure income . We insure our health, not against specific diseases- at least that’s what I’ve always thought I was buying into with insurance -does anyone know how that works? Send me a comment.. Does this mean a child with Autism will never be able to be covered by insurance because of a pre-existing condition that has a real chance of being reversed with proper treatment coverage in the first place? Ok you getthe point..
Perhaps the folks I mention above need to watch the movie Sicko by Michael Moore, because it seems to me a lot of people are getting it right when it comes to medical care and it isn’t in the United States of America- which few love more than I.
Here is the email. Get Involved and Take Care.
Imagine a time when autism treatment is covered by insurance. That dream can be a reality for New York state.
Thank you! For 10 years, the autism community has been coming together for Autism Speaks. This year alone over 50,000 strong will unite in Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Long Island, New York City, Rochester, Central New York, Capital Region, Sullivan County, Greater Hudson Valley and Westchester County – raising money and awareness for Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism advocacy organization in the world. Your time, talent, resources and donations help move ground-breaking research forward and to advance the autism cause. Dollars raised through our Walk Now for Autism Speaks program are the fuel for all of our efforts!
New York State’s time is NOW for insurance legislation. New York has the ability to pass insurance reform this session.
Over the next few weeks we will be in a critical time for this legislation and we will be asking for all of New York state to take action – calling and emailing their senators and assembly members.
“OPT IN” for news about this legislations and action alerts about how you can help. Sign up for Autism Votes today at www.autismvotes.org. If you don’t register you will not receive the action alerts.
Be part of history! Have your voice heard in Albany. Help make it possible for families to get coverage for autism.
The time for this legislation is now – and you can make it happen. You have already taken the first step of being part of our grassroots efforts in New York state by participating or supporting our Walk program. Take the next step and help the almost 130,000 families in New York state who live with autism every day get the coverage they deserve.
UPDATE – It was great to see Sarah Palin marching alongside others at the Autism Walk in Westchester, NY this weekend. Keep it up Sarah, our children need high level partners and supporters in government.
