Public Policy
Insurance Parity for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disabilities
HB 2918, the Insurance Parity bill for children with pervasive developmental disabilities passed during the 2007 Oregon Legislative session. For purposes of the legislation, a pervasive developmental disorder means a neurological condition that includes Asperger's syndrome, autism, developmental delay, developmental disability or mental retardation. The measure requires a health benefit plan to cover treatment of a child under the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder to the same parameters as treatment of physical illness.
As a part of the legislation the Health Resources Commission was directed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for pervasive developmental disorder as defined in the legislation and to develop a report on a medical, evidence-based standard of the effectiveness of treatments for autism and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. In addition, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education agreed to review current services to people with autism and identify gaps in the system.
In January 2008, the Oregon Health Resources Commission appointed a subcommittee to perform an evidence-based review of the effectiveness of treatments for Autism/ASD. The subcommittee worked with the Center for Evidence-based Policy and the Medicaid Evidence-based Decision project.
The Oregon Autism Project was conceived May 2008, when State Representatives Peter Buckley (D-Ashland) and Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland) asked Representative Edwards (D–Eugene/Junction City), to lead a legislative work group looking into ways children and adults with autism spectrum disorder can be better served.
Joining Edwards on the workgroup were representatives from the Oregon Department of Education and the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Developmental Disabilities Council, the Oregon Autism Alliance, as well as other legislative members including Representatives Peter Buckley, Sara Gelser (D – Corvallis), Linda Flores (R – Damascus), Ron Maurer (R – Grants Pass), and Senator Alan Bates (D – Medford). A number of legislators either have family members with autism or have been educated by constituents with family members with autism. A draft report with preliminary findings and recommendations for the 2009 Legislature was compiled. Prior to presentation of a final set of recommendations, the workgroup hosted a statewide tour to receive feedback from individuals and families on this report. The final report can be found on the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities website. For families dealing with insurance issues, located on the Autism Society of Oregon's website can be found "Helpful Hints on Insurance Coverage."
Family and Community Together (FACT) is a family leadership coalition working to facilitate positive change in policies, systems and attitudes affecting Oregonians with disabilities or chronic health concerns and their families. More about FACT ...