Legislators Santabarbara, Gordon, Savage Sponsor Important Resolution on Autism

The Schenectady County Legislature recently unanimously adopted an important resolution, sponsored by Angelo Santabarbara and cosponsored by County Legislature Chairwoman Susan E. Savage and Legislator Brian Gordon MD, calling on the New York State Legislature to approve legislation requiring health insurance policies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Just as the passage of Timothy's Law was a crucial step in providing fair and equitable health care coverage, this legislation would provide access to treatment for a growing number of children and adults affected by autism.

Autism is the fastest growing disabling disorder affecting American children, with diagnoses increasing by 500 percent over the past ten years. In New York State, the autism rate for children has been increasing by approximately 15% per year in that time span. Studies from the year 2000 show that 1 in 150 children are affected, but more recent studies place the number closer to 1 in 90 children. Currently, there are 17,000 students age 4 to 21 classified by New York schools as having autism. Failing to provide coverage to these individuals substantially endangers their health and quality of life.

Please read the complete resolution below.

RESOLUTION 23-10

Sponsored by Legislator Santabarbara; Co-sponsored by Legislators Savage and Gordon:

A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE LEGISLATION REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

BE IT ENACTED, by the Legislature of the County of Schenectady, as follows:

WHEREAS, Assembly bill number 6888-B and Senate bill number 6123 would amend the NYS Insurance Law to require health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this state legislation is to ensure that every policy, group policy and/or medical indemnity, hospital service or health service corporation would provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid state legislation would provide insurance coverage for persons with autism spectrum disorders without the imposition of age or coverage limitations; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid state legislation would assist families with the necessary insurance coverage so that their children can receive adequate primary care, educational, rehabilitation and behavioral health services; and

WHEREAS, the aforesaid state legislation would enable families to buy insurance products that would allow them to increase the effectiveness of their financial resources in obtaining needed medical treatments and therapies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body supports Assembly bill number 6888-B and Senate bill number 6123, and encourages the State Legislature to approve such legislation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this Legislature directs the Clerk of the Legislature to send a certified copy of this resolution to the Speaker of the Assembly, Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Hugh Farley and Assemblyman James Tedisco.