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Letter: Autism insurance coverage possible thanks to Yager, Powers, Ragan

February 27, 2013 By 2 Comments

To the Editor:

Much gratitude and admiration goes to local area state lawmakers Sen. Ken Yager, Rep. Dennis Powers, and Rep. John Ragan for their vision and dedication to the people in our Tennessee autism community. By signing on to the widely-supported state autism insurance reform bill SB 1286/HB 1265, these legislators join 20 of their colleagues across the state as co-sponsors of this legislation.

Countless studies show that providing vital, medically necessary treatments to people on the autism spectrum greatly improves their chances of becoming self-sufficient, income-earning members of our society. Yet health insurance plans very rarely cover these therapies, and families are left to incur enormous debt to provide these treatments for their loved ones, or worse, are unable to provide these treatments at all due to the high cost of this non-covered crucial care, greatly reducing their children’s potential for success as an independent adult.

As of this writing, 32 states have passed similar insurance reform, and it is the fiscally smart thing for Tennessee to do as well. I applaud Senator Yager, Representative Powers and Representative Ragan along with all of the other co-sponsors of this legislation for their commitment to help create taxpayers in the Tennessee autism community.

Robin Biloski

Vice Chairman

Anderson County Commission

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  • http://www.facebook.com/devrin.kuipers Devrin Kuipers

    Having an adult “child” with Asperger’s Disorder (now considered in the autism spectrum) the mere fact that this is being addressed is significant. Our son was initially misdiagnosed and it wasn’t until we found a psychologist willing to get educated on the disorder that he was finally diagnosed correctly. We worked with our local public education system, which started out at the Oak Ridge Preschool as an excelent resource and help and finished at the Oak Ridge High School, which was extremely frustrating. With the aid of a good lawyer, Jim Normand, we received conservatorship through the Anderson County Court. We also worked with state vocational rehab and the owners of Mr. K’s Used Books to get him a part time job. Once a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, “the system” should tie-in all these resources and help direct the families of these children.

    • http://www.facebook.com/johnhuotari John Huotari

      Thank you for the additional info, Devrin.