Wexler Introduces Fairness in Autism Treatment Act
Landmark Legislation Requires Employer Sponsored Health Plans to Cover Services

(Washington, DC) Last night Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) introduced the Fairness in Autism Treatment Act, landmark legislation that could bring hope to the hundreds of thousands of families across the country who lack employer-sponsored health coverage for their children with autism.  Congressman Wexler’s legislation amends the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act (ERISA) to require that large employers with self-insured and private plans provide medical benefits for autism services.

“It is imperative that autistic children receive the best health services available from an early age in order to effectively combat this heartbreaking disorder,” Congressman Wexler said.  “It is despicable that many employer-sponsored health plans provide little coverage or blatantly refuse to cover a share of the costs of respite, therapeutic, and other medical services that autistic children depend on.  A number of states already require insurers to cover autism services, and my bill expands this covered to include employer-sponsored plans in all 50 states.”

Currently, Florida does not mandate coverage of autism treatment. While 17 states across the country already require insurance companies to cover autism services, large employers that self-insure under ERISA are exempt from these laws.  Congressman Wexler’s legislation mandates that employer sponsored plans begin covering therapeutic, respite, and rehabilitative care for autistic children up to age 22.  The plans must also provide parity in these services, meaning they cannot charge higher co-pays or deductibles for autism treatment.  The legislation does, however, exempt small businesses with 50 or fewer employees from the requirement.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits one’s ability to develop social relationships and communicate with others.  Children diagnosed with autism often also face extreme behavioral challenges.  In 2007, the Centers for Disea

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Congressman Wexler is Chairman of the Europe Subcommittee and a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Judiciary Committee; and he also sits on the Financial Services Committee.

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