Autism insurance help supported

Autism insurance help supported
BY JULIE BISBEE
Published: April 15, 2009

Children with autism would have access to insurance under a bill the Senate passed Tuesday.

House Bill 2027 would create a state license for certified behavioral analysts and increase training for therapists who would evaluate and diagnosis autism spectrum disorders. An amendment by Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, would provide insurance coverage to children under the Oklahoma Health Insurance High Risk Pool.

The pool was created by the Legislature in 1995 to provide insurance to residents unable to get individual coverage. Participants still pay premiums.

"The Senate poured the foundation and created a comprehensive bill that offers a glimmer of hope for families struggling to care for their children with autism,” Gumm said.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, passed the Senate 48-0 and is now headed to a conference committee, where more changes could be made.

Justice said the bill could help build a network of treatment providers for children with autism.

"This is the right program to continue to build on,” Justice said.

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