JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Treatment bills can pile up quickly when you have a child with autism. There's a call for change at the State Capitol that could save those families some money.
Mississippi currently does not require health insurance companies to cover autism services. Jessica Gregory's 4-year-old son Trey was diagnosed with autism in last July.
Gregory knew he had communication issues from an early age. The diagnosis wasn't a surprise. But navigating through insurance questions of how to pay for his therapy was eye opening.
"Finding out it's not covered is challenging because you want what's best for your child," explained Gregory. "You have to just say OK, if this is what he needs, this is what we're going to do. But how are we going to make it all work out?"
The Gregory family originally got help with treatment through a state-run program called First Steps. It's an early intervention system for kids with developmental delays. One problem, it's only for children under the age of three.
Families turn to spots like the Jackson Autism Center and Dr. Rebecca Mullican for help.
"One to three times a week, they're still not getting what kids in other states are getting," described Mullican.
Since insurance won't pay, these treatment costs are out of pocket for the families.
"I do hate that I have to turn people away or that people aren't able to afford the services," said Mullican.
Go here to read the rest:
Autism therapies not covered by insurance in Mississippi