Finding Insurance Coverage to Curb the Costs of Autism

In July 2013, the state of New York dropped a regulatory requirement blocking families from getting insurance coverage. The insurance was promised under the state’s 2011 autism insurance reform law, designating coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA). In this case, New York’s autism community and legislature pressured the Cuomo administration to discontinue blocking this type of insurance.

Life with autism is a fight, and getting insurance to cover autism related costs is no different. Fortunately, 34 of the 50 United States now have state insurance mandates for Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to the American Speech-Language hearing Association and research done by autismspeaks.org. While many states have had this legislation on the books for several years, states like Michigan are starting compliance rules in 2014. Indeed, starting in January, Michigan will require any health care corporation to provide coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder as diagnosed by a licensed physician or psychologist, according to data collected by autismspeaks.org.

Know that if your child is designated with autism or a similar disorder, protections exist to aide in costly therapies and consultations. Researching insurance mandates for respective residence areas and applying for this coverage will help enormously when taking on the inevitable battles autism brings. Thankfully, legislation is only improving when it comes to coverage for autism therapies.

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Gregory Ruel Portland Maine

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Greg Ruel

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