Taking Action of Autism Insurance Reform

I’m humbled that my post “An Open Letter to the North Carolina General Assembly” received such a positive response.  Over 2000 people have viewed it in these last few days.  Many have shared it on Facebook and Twitter.

On behalf of all the Everybody’s Boys and Girls, and the parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, therapists, friends and teachers who love and support them – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

How can you help?

I’m afraid I don’t have any easy answer. Legislation has been in the works for several years.  The climate for it right now is challenging.  Many organizations are advocating for change, but there are a lot of pressing issues impacting children (and adults) with Developmental Disabilities in our state right now.

Here’s what you can do.  You can contact your local legislators.  The link below will allow you to search by zip code to find out who they are if you aren’t sure.

Who are my local legislators?

You can call them.

You can write a letter.

You can make an appointment to go speak with them.  I can go with you.  Or I can find someone in your district to  go with you if you want.

Letters are still the easiest and most effective way to reach your legislators about an issue.

If you can take the time to write one letter.  Or to draft and email and send it to your entire legislative delegation.  That would be huge.

Here are some talking points to keep in mind.

The Senate Bill (for your Senator’s reference) is SB 115 and the corresponding House Bill (for your Representatives) is H826.

Here they are.

We want to encourage support for these bills.  Ask for them to be brought to the Health and Human Services Committee and then to the floor for a vote.  Ask them to contact the committee chairs and tell them they support this legislation.

Explain why this legislation is important to you and our community.

• 1:91 individuals have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  (Autism Speaks)
• Children with Autism are not eligible to receive therapy through their parent’s private insurance.
• The only insurance that provides the level of coverage they need is Medicaid.
• Families are living in self-imposed poverty to qualify for Medicaid so that their children can receive life saving therapy.
• The Community Alternative Placement (CAP) Waiver that provides Medicaid and community based services is underfunded and thousands of children remain waitlisted.
• Without early intervention and evidence based therapies many children with Autism may not gain the skills they require to live independently.  The cost of institutionalizing these children as they reach adulthood will be an extreme burden on the state’s Health and Human services once they are adults.
• Over half the states in the country have already passed legislation requiring private insurance company’s to provide adequate coverage for individuals with Autism.
• More access to private insurance for families will help them be more self-sufficient, earn more, pay more taxes, and most importantly not be required to rely on government-funded programs like Medicaid.

I am sure there are many more talking points.  You can pick and choose.  If you need help feel free to email me at everybodysboy@gmail.com

Most importantly, keep sharing!!!

Right now, my Everybody’s Boy needs his Mommy to make dinner.

Please take the time to send a letter or an email.  Or make a phone call.  Or an appointment.

If you have any other talking points let me know and I will add them.

Debby Torres