Our blog is about Autism and more specifically how Autism is being redefined. The American Psychiatric Association is considering changing how Autism is defined. This change will change Autism to an umbrella of disorders across a spectrum. The Autism spectrum is an umbrella that includes several disorders such as Asperger's disorder and Rett's disorder. A fear of families and those who care for autistic children is that this change in Autism definition will affect children's access to much need special education.
An article was recently published by the Washington Post. This article explains the proposal of a new definition as well as how it may affect children and caregivers. The link is as follow: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-parenting/post/apa-considers-new-definition-for-autism-a-change-that-could-limit-kids-access-to-special-education/2012/01/22/gIQAb2rWJQ_blog.html
Our policy that goes hand and hand with autism is the law authored by Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles, and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. This policy bars insurers that refuse to sell policies exclusively for children from the broader individual market for five years. It also limits the amount insurers can charge for covering children with serious health conditions to no more than twice what they would charge healthier children. Many parents that have autistic children or other disabled children struggle financial with medical bills. This law will help take the stress off. To read about a personal struggle dealing with having an autistic child and the insurance companies click the link as followed: http://www.autismpolicyblog.com/2010/12/california-insurance-law-on-pre.html
The Legislature branch of government created these insurance policies. Our states are really taking charge on this matter. There are a total of 33 states that have laws related to autism and insurance coverage. Out of the 33 states, 26 states specifically require insurers to provide coverage for the treatment of autism. (Other states may require limited coverage for autism under mental health coverage or other laws.) Most of the legislation to provide coverage for autism has been active in the last three years. Listed below include what states came on board with having insurance coverage for autistic people and what type of coverage the insurance company offers.
- During the 2007-2008 legislative session, nine states passed legislation related to autism and insurance coverage. Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas enacted legislation specifically requiring coverage for autism. In addition, Massachusetts enacted legislation in 2008 to specify that autism shall be covered under mental health parity laws on a nondiscriminatory basis. Connecticut enacted legislation in 2008 that requires insurers to provide coverage for physical, speech and occupational therapy services for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders to the extent that such services are a covered benefit for other diseases and conditions under such policy. A summary of this legislation is included in the two tables below.
- In 2009, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico and Wisconsin enacted legislation requiring insurance coverage for autism. Illinois enacted legislation requiring insurance coverage for habilitative services for children with a congenital or genetic disorder, including autism.
- In 2010, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire and Vermont enacted legislation requiring insurance coverage for autism. In addition, in April 2010, Oklahoma enacted legislation to specify that health insurance policies must provide the same coverage and benefits to children who have been diagnosed with autism as children who have not been diagnosed with the disorder.
- In 2011, Arkansas, Virginia, and West Virginia enacted legislation requiring insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders.
Kim's Reflection:
People being diagnosed with autism is being done too often in my opinion. According to the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the year 1990, 1 in 2,000 people were given the odds to be diagnosed with autism. A huge increase in odds occurred in year 2000 in which, 1 in 500 people were given the odds to be diagnosed with autism. The most recent findings happened in 2010 that stated that 1 in 110 people are being diagnosed with autism. These alarming odds send a huge red flag to me. Why are so many people being diagnosed with autism or other aspects of the spectrum? When I saw the article in the Washington Post about redefining autism it made me want to jump on board with this current event and learn more. I do feel that the diagnosis of autism is being done way too loosely, so knowing that doctors are trying to come up with a way to standardize the way autism is being diagnosed is a huge improvement. Some people are concerned about what will happen with children who don't fall into the category of being autistic and have the possibility they will lose access to special education but I don't see that happening. If a child is delayed or needs special needs met there are still programs that you can get your child actively involved in. As for the existing policy, I think more states should have the coverage for autism and mental illnesses/disorders. When the newly found definition of autism is finalized, those people who do not fall in the category of autism, should still be covered under insurance because there is obviously something there but just coded under a different disorder.
Michelle's Reflection:
I have worked with autistic children for the past six years and I am for the policy regarding autism and insurance coverage. Children diagnosed with autism require many hours of services and therapies as well as many doctor and specialist visits. Some children on the higher end of the spectrum even require specialized schooling and in some cases expensive strict diets. All these bills add up and it puts a strain on the parents. Insurance funds for these families is crucial and I am glad to see that Massachusetts has a policy regarding this set up. I hope to see more of the states also enact a similar policy because it is absolutely necessary. I also think a lot of good can come from a change by the APA on the autism definition. If the definition is changed more children will fall into the spectrum instead of on the fringes. With these children falling into the spectrum they will qualify for autism services and insurance policies.
Brittney's Reflection:
Studying education through out past four years has taught me alot about different disorders that can be seen within students. Autism is a major topic that is covered within the education field and I find it to be extremely interesting. One of my little cousins has an extremely mild form of Autism and I found it to be a great connection into finding out more of the subject. Now looking at it from the view that it may be changing as far as who is considered under the umbrella. Because my cousin has such a mild form she may be one of the people that will no longer be covered and receive the help she needs. This redefinition may affect many lives of those who have been relying on the coverage for help to get through school and life. Families are in fear because of how this will affect the lives of their Autistic family members. Another major aspect is coverage of insurance which will drastically change with the new definition. Some of these people will lose this coverage and may have many struggles because of the lack of help they will no longer receive.
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