State Autism Insurance Equity Activity
Thursday, March 12, 2009
By: Carin Yavorcik

Several states report movement on reform bills

ASA is pleased to report that there has been a flurry of positive activity across the U.S. on autism insurance reform bills.  Just this past week, there was activity in several states on such measures, including Minnesota: HF 359/SF 312; New Hampshire: HB 569; Ohio: HB 8; Nevada: AB 162; Georgia: SB 161/HB 426; Utah: SB 43; and Kentucky: SB 74/HB 190, and most of the bills are moving forward.

On Monday, March 9, 2009, “Connor’s Law” moved favorably out of the New Hampshire House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Affairs following testimony from Autism Society of New Hampshire President Michelle Jarvis and others concerning the need for appropriate insurance coverage for families in New Hampshire. This bill seeks to align the Granite State with legislative efforts throughout the country to achieve full and fair coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. We anticipate that the bill will be revised and improved at the study committee level before it is voted on by the State House and Senate.