|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
|
CONTACT: Jay Purdy |
State Rep. Flo Fabrizio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fabrizio joins families to rally for autism insurance coverage bill
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Flo Fabrizio, D-Erie, took part in a rally at the state Capitol Rotunda today in support of a bill that would require insurance companies in Pennsylvania to cover autism services.
The rally was organized by Pennsylvania chapters of the Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks. More than 100 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, along with many of their children, called on the General Assembly to act promptly on a bill (H.B. 1150) sponsored by House Speaker Dennis O’Brien, R-Phila. The legislation would require insurance companies that write policies in Pennsylvania to stop excluding coverage for services for people with autism.
Autism, a developmental disorder, affects one in 150 children, primarily affecting their ability to communicate and interact socially, with symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
“We’re looking at such intervention services as speech therapy, psychiatric and psychological services, medications and rehabilitation care,” said Fabrizio. “There is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, but aggressive intervention is effective in helping children adapt to their challenge and become active, contributing members of society. That is by far the most humane, sensible and cost-effective alternative to institutional life.
“It does not make sense that one can get insurance benefits for alcoholism and drug abuse treatment but not for essential treatment for an autistic child.”
Fabrizio said the O’Brien bill and a similar measure in the Senate (S.B. 605) would relieve pressure on the state’s Medicaid budget and local school districts by reducing the cost of treating autism that is currently borne by taxpayers.
A number of other states, including New York, South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana, have enacted laws that prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against people with autism.
###jp/2007/mjh
l:\print\releases\autismraqlly.002
Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Fabrizio is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA-2 (7-2-2) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.