Insurance
Gov. rewrites bill to require insurance companies to cover autism
Gov. Rod Blagojevich used his amendatory veto power Monday to rewrite a House bill that would require medical costs associated with autism to be covered by insurance.
About 26,000 children in Illinois have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and families often cover treatment costs using personal funds, according to a governor's office news release. Blagojevich and other supporters instead want insurance companies to cover up to $36,000 a year for diagnosis and treatment of autism, including speech therapy and psychiatric services, as well as doctor visits until a patient reaches 21.
“Since most insurance companies do not cover the cost of treating autism, families can be torn apart and sent to the brink of financial ruin trying to care for their child.” Blagojevich said in the news release. “I am amending this legislation because insurance should never be an obstacle to a child reaching their potential.”
The Associated Press reported Monday that the insurance industry has challenged similar mandates, claiming they led to rising health insurance costs.
Initial plans for bill revisions were announced Sunday in Chicago. The bill now goes to the House, but proponent and state Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley, doesn't think it will be called to a vote any time soon, he said Monday during a phone interview.
“Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to go anywhere,” Pritchard said.
Language in the bill added by House Speaker Michael Madigan may hinder its success, he said. “Similar bills have been passing in a number of states, so I was optimistic that ... it might have a chance. But after talking to some of the staff, I'm doubtful.”
Despite a dismal outlook, Pritchard remains a supporter of the bill, he said.
“It's a huge issue that families can't get the insurance coverage they need,” Pritchard said. “Many want to get the therapy that will help their child develop and if they do, they are indebting themselves into bankruptcy.”
(Published by Daily Chronicle - july 15, 2008)