This afternoon, the Virginia Autism Project joined families and communities in Virginia in applauding Governor Robert McDonnell in signing Home Bill 2467 and Senate Bill 1062, which will become law effective January 1, 2012.
This new law demands insurance companies to offer evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies for children ages 2 thru 6 with a $35,000 annual cap. Sponsored by Senator Janet Howell (Fairfax-D) and Delegates Tim Hugo (Fairfax-R), Tom Rust (Fairfax/Loudoun-R), and Tag Greason (Loudoun-R), this reform passed the General Assembly with overwhelming support last month following 11 years of failed attempts.
“HB 2467 and SB 1062 are the culmination of over 11 years of legislative work, and countless hours of effort put forth by the parents and advocates in support of Autism,” said Delegate Greason. “This legislation delicately balances the requirements of our families with the struggles that employers throughout the Commonwealth are faced with. It is the right factor to do, and I am proud to be a small component of the process.”
“Virginia communities are celebrating this historic legislation to offer young kids medical treatments for Autism! We owe tremendous thanks to Governor McDonnell and also the many legislative patrons and leaders of Virginia, past and present, that have created this day feasible. This is a superb step forward to enhance comprehensive services for kids with autism in Virginia,” said Pat DiBari, president of the Virginia Autism Project.
The Virginia Autism Project, partnered with Autism Speaks and parents of children with autism in the Commonwealth, began working on legislation to need insurance coverage for medical treatment for autism years ago. In reports released over the past few years, the Virginia Secretary of Well being and Human Resources and also the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission (JLARC) acknowledge that insurance coverage is only a component of the comprehensive services needed to address the distinctive challenges of all age groups with autism. While pursuing a smooth implementation of this new law, the Virginia Autism Project also intends to advocate for an increase within the Medicaid waiver services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Related Coverage
- Leading ALS Organizations Celebrate House Passage of ACT for ALS
- AARP Urges Senate to Start From Scratch on Health Care Bill
- American Diabetes Association Urges Senators to Vote Against Proposed Health Care Legislation
For more reporting on this topic, see our Healthcare Policy and Law news hub.