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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 14, 2023 12:40 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis and Rep. Barry J. Jozwiak |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Tyler's Law -- Requiring PANDA/PANS Coverage |
| In the near future, I will be introducing “Tyler’s Law” which would require health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to provide coverage for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANDAS/PANS). PANDAS is a term used to describe children who develop a sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders as a result of a streptococcal infection. PANS describes the larger class of acute-onset OCD cases, not just those associated with streptococcal infections. In addition to OCD and tic disorders, PANS and PANDAS can manifest symptoms such as severe separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, irritability, aggression and personality changes. These disorders are believed to affect one in every 200 children. Treatment for these disorders may require a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy, anti-obsessional medications and antibiotics to eradicate the streptococcal infection. One round of treatment can cost $12,000 or more in out-of-pocket expenses. As a result, treatment for PANDAS/PANS can become a tremendous financial burden on families. PANDAS/PANS has affected many individuals in my district, including Tyler who began showing symptoms at six-years-old. Unfortunately, like many families in their situation, Tyler’s family has experienced difficulties in securing reliable insurance coverage for his costly treatments. Therefore, please join me in cosponsoring this legislation to ensure that children like Tyler receive adequate healthcare to treat these disorders. Thank you. |
Introduced as HB2087