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Mandate insurance coverage of autism treatment
"Will mandate insurance coverage of autism treatment and will also continue to work with parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD (autism spectrum disorders)."
Sources: "Barack Obama and Joe Biden: Supporting Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Subjects: Autism, Health Care, Market Regulation
Health care reform sets stage for insurance mandates
Updated: Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 | By Angie Drobnic Holan
Health care legislation under consideration in Congress does not specifically mention autism, but advocates for people with the condition believe it sets the stage for mandated coverage.
The proposal gives federal officials broad powers to determine what insurers must cover. Language in the House bill says that insurers must cover "mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatments." Advocates say that the "behavioral health treatments" language will necessarily include coverage for autism.
Congress still needs to approve the legislation, but this is enough for us to rate this promise In the Works.
Sources:
The Autism Society,
What Will Health-care Reform Mean for Families Affected by Autism?
, Aug. 27, 2009
Thomas,
the House health care reform bill: HR 3962
, accessed Dec. 8, 2009
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