PA Autism Insurance Senate Hearing

PA AUTISM INSURANCE SENATE HEARING - APRIL 1, 2008Dear Friends:The most important day for autism insurance coverage in Pennsylvania is swiftly approaching and we need your help! On April 1, 2008 at 10 AM, Capitol Building Complex (Harrisburg), Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building, the Pennsylvania Senate Banking & Insurance Committee will conduct a public hearing regarding the merits of HB 1150. Please plan to attend the hearing that day and help us pack the room to demonstrate to lawmakers how important this bill is for our children. The more the merrier! Don't come alone! Bring your families, neighbors, co-workers....we need to fill up the room and spill out into the hallways.Opponents of HB 1150 continue to argue falsely that insurance coverage for treating children with autism is unnecessary and that the bill will cause insurance rates to increase up to 6%. In truth, we know that such services are not only critical to the future well-being of thousands of Pennsylvania’s children, but also that HB 1150 will have a less than 1% effect on private insurance rates.A 1% rate increase is less than the cost of one Happy Meal from McDonalds, one video rental from Blockbuster, or a Tall Regular Coffee with no frills at Starbucks. Most importantly, 1% can make a world of difference in the lives of thousands of Pennsylvania's children.The panelists selected to testify in favor of HB 1150 include:o Richard M. Foxx, Ph.D., BCBA, Penn State Universityo David Gates, Esq., The Pennsylvania Health Law Projecto James N. Bouder, MPA, The Vista Schoolo Kim Motosicky, Parento Rachel Brooks, Miss Pennsylvania 2007Again, please help us end the discriminatory practices of private insurance companies by attending the hearing and showing your support for the panelists and HB 1150.For additional information contact:
Eastern PA: Rachel Brooks at rachelmariebrooks@yahoo.comCentral PA: Jim Bouder at jbouder@thevistaschool.orgWestern PA: Patti McCloud at mccloud@zoominternet.net
Northeastern PA: George Shady at GRShadie@aol.com

TAKE ACTION NOW ON PA AUTISM INSURANCE BILL! Autism Speaks is in the process of launching a new website dedicated to autism advocacy, Autism Votes. While it has not officially launched yet, with everything going on in Pennsylvania, we wanted to give PA residents exclusive access to your very own Commonwealth of Pennsylvania page! Go to www.autismvotes.org/pennsylvania for up-to-the-minute news and Take Action opportunities on the autism insurance legislation in PA!

Thank you!
Shelley HendrixDirector, State Advocacy RelationsAutism Speaks