Legislative News


National News

Combating Autism Act of 2006
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: The Combating Autism Act, signed into law in late 2006, provides $945 million over five years for autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities research, screening, treatment, and education. The legislation significantly expands research activities at the National Institutes of Health as well as surveillance programs run by Center for Disease Control. It also provides competitive grants to "expand existing or develop new maternal and child health interdisciplinary leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities programs" in states that do not have such program.
Link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:s.00843:

Empowered at Home Act S. 3327 & H. 7212
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: While not an autism-specific bill, this legislation has four basic parts. First, it would improve the Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) state plan option by giving states more flexibility in determining eligibility and by increasing the services states can offer under the program. This is expected to create greater options for individuals in need of long-term supports. In return, states could no longer cap enrollment and services would have to be offered throughout the entire state. The other three sections would address: spousal impoverishment protections for the HCBS option; tax-related provisions to support caregivers and promote purchase of private long-term care insurance; and grants for states to invest in organizations and systems that can help to ensure a sufficient supply of workers, promote health and ensure more consumer-centered HCBS.
Link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:s.03327:

Expanding the Promise Act S. 937 & H. 1881
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: This bill amends the Public Health Services Act providing additional funds to improve access to comprehensive treatments, interventions, and services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:s.00937:

Helping HANDS for Autism Act S. 2950 & H.6282
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: This three-part legislation is designed to support families dealing with autism spectrum disorders, increase awareness among first responders and public safety officials, and provide housing options and services for adults with autism.
Link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN02950:

Military Family Autism Equality Act S. 3621 & H.6930
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: Amends federal provisions concerning TRICARE (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide extended health care services and treatment, by way of contract with private providers, for dependent autism-diagnosed children of military retirees not entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Part A (Hospital Insurance) of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and not enrolled under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of such title.
Link: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN03621:


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State News

96th General Assembly
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: The 96th General Assembly will begin work in January 2009. All legislation must be introduced or re-introduced.
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Spectrum Disorders insurance mandate bill SB. 1900
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: In the 95th General Assembly an Autism Spectrum Disorders insurance mandate bill SB. 1900 was passed overwhelmingly in both houses but due to disagreements between the General Assembly and Governor Blagojevich it failed to become law. Most observers believe it will be re-introduced in 2009.
Link: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1900&GAID=9&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=34689&SessionID=51&GA=95

Habilitative Services insurance mandate bill HB 5595
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: The 95th General Assembly also overwhelmingly passed the Habilitative Services insurance mandate bill HB 5595 but due to disagreements between the General Assembly and Governor Blagojevich it failed to become law. Most observers believe it will be re-introduced in 2009.
Link: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5595&GAID=9&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=36984&SessionID=51&GA=95

The Autism Program Service Network
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: The Autism Program Service Network was created in FY08 to create a state-wide service delivery system for persons living with autism. Funded by the State of Illinois Department of Human Services, this collaborative network of more than 27 universities and direct service providers has yet to receive full funding. The FY08 and FY09 funding were both cut in half resulting in significant delays in service provision and limitations to the geographic areas covered. Efforts to insure full funding for FY2010 have already begun.
Link: http://www.theautismprogram.org/

Final Days of the Ill 95th General Assembly
Date: 1/29/2009
Summary: In the final days of their session, the Illinois 95th General Assembly passed two important pieces of legislation impacting many families living with autism who have health insurance coverage. The Autism Insurance Reform Act was signed into law by the governor in December and was immediately effective however rules covering its implementation are in process. The Habilitative Service Act has moved to the governor for his signature and may be enacted soon. To determine if these laws will impact your health insurance coverage, please speak with your health plan administrator. A brief summary of each follows: The Autism Insurance Reform Act provides coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for children under 21, establishing an annual benefit of $36,000 for services provided pursuant to the Act. All individual and group health insurance policies and HMO contract must abide by the new law with the exceptions of: Self-insured, non-public employers. Self-insured health and welfare plans, such as union plans. Insurance policies or trusts issued in other states. All services must be prescribed by a physician. However, some of the services may be delivered by certified or licensed professionals who are not physicians (e.g. speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists). Insurance companies are required to cover medically necessary care provided by these professionals. The law became effective December 12, 2008. Any policy issued, delivered or renewed after this date must include autism coverage required by the law. If you are covered by a group or individual health insurance policy issued before December 12, 2008, you may have to wait until the policy’s renewal or anniversary date before your child is eligible for coverage.
Link: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=09500SB0934ham002&GA=95

The Habilitative Services Act
Date: 1/29/2009
Summary: The Habilitative Services Act provides for insurance coverage for habilitative services for children under 19 with a congenital, genetic, or early acquired disorder. Medically necessary therapies will be covered for children with autism and other conditions such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Specific rules have not yet been published.
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Autism Insurance Mandate Act
Date: 4/8/2009
Summary: Public Act 95-1005 – was enacted in December 2008 and requires many insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders for children under the age of 21. The annual benefit is limited to $36,000. Click on the public act link for the law’s text and click on the Illinois Insurance Factsheet for Coverage for Autism for the latest information on how this law impacts your family.
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Habilitative Services Act
Date: 4/8/2009
Summary: Public Act 95-1049 – was signed into law by Governor Quinn on April 7, 2009. This act requires health insurance policies to cover habilitative services for children under19 years of age with a congenital, genetic or early acquired disorder. Habilitative services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and other prescribed services to treat disorders like autism and cerebral palsy. Rules for implementation are still in progress but visit the Illinois Department for Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Insurance website for updates and factsheets on how this law will assist your family.
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Autism Treatment Acceleration Act
Date: 4/8/2009
Summary: was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Senators Casey and Menendez in April 2009. Click for a quick summary of S.819 and here for full text. This legislation is the most comprehensive attempt to authorize federal funding for services, treatment, support and research on autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan.
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County News

Boards for the Care and Treatment of Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties operate Boards for the Care and Treatment of Persons with Developmental Disabilities—also known as 377 Boards. These appointed boards oversee funds collected through annual property tax levies and distribute them through “purchase of service agreements” to provider organizations serving persons with developmental disabilities aged birth to 3 years and over 21 years of age.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders Trust Fund
Date: 12/4/2008
Summary: The Peoria County 377 board has created the Autism Spectrum Disorders Trust Fund. Funded through the sale of the Allied Agencies Building to OSF St. Francis Medical Center and a generous gift from the Sister of the Third Order of St. Francis, this fund will begin distributing annual proceeds from the trust in 2009.
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