Steinberg Bill to Mandate Autism Treatment Coverage PASSES!!!

There was a HUGE victory yesterday in Sacramento.

Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg's (D-Sacramento) measure to ensure people with autism have access to the medical treatments and therapies they need has been passed by the California Legislature and sent to the Governor for his consideration.

SB 946 mandates health insurance coverage of behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other prescribed intensive early intervention therapy, for those with autism. The bill also defines the scope of these treatments and eliminates unwarranted restrictions on those who are qualified to provide the treatment.

"Despite promises from health care plans, coverage of ABA services is still being denied," Steinberg said. "While there are many challenges that still need to be overcome, this bill is a huge step in the right direction in giving families a ray of hope that brings light at the end of the tunnel."

The bill follows through on work the pro Tem has done as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders and as Chair of the Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. In both forums Steinberg heard compelling stories from families and advocates about their plight in battling health plans and insurance companies in obtaining medically necessary treatment for these devastating disorders.

"Many other states have passed varying autism mandates but this bill is unique because there are no caps or limits on the age of recipients or the types of services that will be mandated," Steinberg said.

Way to go, Senator Steinberg.

Thanks and gratitude to the thousands of parents, autism advocates and sponsors of the bill Autism Speaks, Alliance of California Autism Organizations, Special Needs Network, and The Help Groupwho helped drive this charge.

!!!Enactment of this crucial legislation must still require the Governor's signature, so PLEASE please call or fax Governor Brown's office (before Oct. 9th) and ask him to sign bill SB 946 into law.!!! It will take just a minute and will make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of California children and their families dealing with autism:

Governor Jerry Brown c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 445-2841 Fax: (916) 558-3160

While you are in the spirit, write or call Senator Steinberg's office to thank him for his tireless advocacy efforts on behalf of the ASD community:

Senator Darrell Steinberg c/o State Capitol, Room 205 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4006 Fax: (916) 323-2263

YOU CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!