Virginia considers autism bill

[The Straight Story]

Virginia considers autism bill

SUFFOLK,Va - Mark Llobell is four and half years old and still can't speak in full sentences.

Last year a doctor diagnosed him with Autism and recommended immediate and intensive ABA therapy. ABA is Applied Behavior Analysis, something private insurance in Virginia does not cover.

"It's quite expensive," said his grandfather Mark Llobell Sr. "We're fortunate we have been able to go out and throw down a couple mortgages on properties and provide for our grandson, but there are so many families across Virginia that just can't do that."

That's why Llobell Sr. started working to pass House Bill 1588. It mirrors bills already passed in eight states which require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of Autism up to age 21, with a maximum of $36,000 a year.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/health_wavy_suffolk_autismbill_20090115

[Taverner]

1. YES!

What Can I do to make sure it passes?

[The Straight Story]

2. Call, fax, and pass the info around to email lists

pressure em :)