Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 20, 2016 11:14 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Thomas P. Murt |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution Directing LBFC to Conduct a Study of the Implementation of the Autism Insurance Act (Prior HR 607) |
| In the near future, I plan to reintroduce HR 607 of 2015, directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study of the implementation of Act 62 of 2008 (Autism Insurance Act). Act 62 requires that private insurance plans cover autism spectrum disorder treatment services up to $38,852 per year for individuals under the age of 21. Prior to Act 62, most private insurance companies did not cover treatment services for autism spectrum disorder and many individuals had to rely solely on the Medical Assistance program. The intent of Act 62 was not only to stop discrimination by insurers against children and youth with autism spectrum disorder by requiring coverage for treatment but also shift some of the financial burden that has been placed on the Medical Assistance program to private insurers. In Pennsylvania, there are more than 55,000 identified individuals with autism spectrum disorder and this number is expected to increase at an alarming rate. To address the increasing number of individuals with autism spectrum disorder that will be seeking services from the Commonwealth, it is important to ensure that Act 62 is being fully implemented. My resolution will direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study on the implementation of Act 62 and report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives no later than November 30, 2018. |
Introduced as HR119