State passes autism coverage law

On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a law requiring that people with autism spectrum disorders receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment, announced New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., who sponsored the measurement in the Senate.

Fuschillo, a Republican from Merrick, said the new law will save families with autism tens of thousands of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs for treatments and therapies, which many insurance companies traditionally refused to cover.

“Today is a great day for individuals with autism,” Fuschillo said. “For years, families have fought for access to treatment coverage for their loved ones.

This new law will afford individuals with autism the opportunity to receive treatments and therapies they need … I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this law, which will dramatically improve the lives of every New

York family affected by autism.”

Insurance companies will now be required to cover behavioral health treatments, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for autism patients. Insurance companies will also be prohibited from terminating coverage or refusing to renew, adjust, amend, issue or execute a policy solely because the individual has been diagnosed with or received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

     The new law builds upon an existing law, authored by Fuschillo, to ensure that individuals with autism receive equitable coverage.

     Autism spectrum disorders affect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys, are currently affected by autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined, according to Autism Speaks, one of the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organizations.

     Michael Giangregorio of Merrick, who has a son with autism and is the Long Island volunteer executive chairman of Autism Speaks, said, “I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this law, but I’m especially grateful to Senator Fuschillo for never giving up the fight to get this law passed. This would not have happened without him. He has continually stood up for my family and every

other family with autism, and we will never forget what he did for us.”

     New York joins 28 other states that have enacted similar autism insurance reform laws. The law was supported by Autism Speaks, the Medical Society of the State of New York, New York State Association for Behavior Analysis and Families Together in New York State.

     The new law will take effect on Nov. 1, 2012.