AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - After hitting some bumps during the setup of the Affordable Care Act, advocates say theyre regaining momentum in their effort to expand private insurance coverage for the treatment of autism.
But while the movement to require insurance companies to offer the often-expensive coverage has brought relief to thousands, a state-by-state patchwork of regulations can create confusion for families, cut off coverage too early for some and leave affordable therapy out of reach for many, advocates say.
Applied behavioral analysis, which often involves teaching children skills by breaking them down into smaller sets, is widely viewed as the most effective way to help autistic children succeed. But it can cost families without insurance tens of thousands of dollars a year. And insurance companies say providing coverage will force them to raise premiums.
Colleen Jankovich of Omaha, Nebraska, was forced to stop her sons ABA treatment after weeks because insurance wouldnt pay for it. Her 11-year-old son, Matthew, is nonverbal and requires 24/7 care. But she believes things might have been different with early intervention.
We shouldnt have to choose between treating our children and putting food on the table or bankrupting our family if we choose to pay for the treatment anyway, said Jankovich, 43.
Susan Pisano, a spokeswoman for Americas Health Insurance Plans, said her trade group doesnt specifically oppose coverage for autism treatment. But, she said, thousands of state mandates, like Nebraskas, have made health plans more expensive.
Supporters say the impact on premiums has been minimal.
Theres much at stake as the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder continues to rise. ASD is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause behavioral issues and affect ones ability to interact with others and communicate.
One in 68 children, or roughly 1.2 million Americans under 21, is affected by autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That a 30 percent increase since 2012, but experts say its partially because doctors are diagnosing it more frequently.
In total, 37 states and Washington, D.C., have approved laws to provide coverage for treatments, according to Autism Speaks, an organization thats pushing legislation in statehouses across the country.
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Autism families push for better, uniform coverage