FRANKFORT Tyler Hall's autistic 2-year-old son could speak only a few words in January 2012 when he entered the Highlands Center for Autism in Prestonsburg. More than a year later, the 3-year-old has learned dozens of new words and can dress and feed himself. His parents also can do something new: "We can go out to eat," Tyler Hall said. "None of this would have been possible without the center." But the Halls and a dozen other parents of children attending the Highlands Center are struggling to get their health insurance companies to pay for treatment of their children three years after a state law was passed that requires large insurance plans to pay for autism-related treatments. "The amount of effort used to try to get around what they are supposed to do is mind-boggling," said Hall, who moved from Lexington to Prestonsburg so his son and now his nearly 2-year-old daughter can attend the Highlands Center. "It's an injustice to these families and to the center." When the General Assembly passed House Bill 159 in April 2010, Kentucky became one of 17 states that mandate insurance coverage for treatment of autism, a spectrum disorder that is characterized by impaired … Continue reading →

When Kentucky passed a law in 2010 to require insurers to cover autism treatment, Heather Dales felt like a weight had lifted off her family. Until she billed the insurance company. Since the law took effect in early 2011, Dales said the plan failed to reimburse her and her husband for tens of thousands of dollars' worth of care. Most of it paid tuition to the Highlands Center for Autism in Prestonsburg, Ky., which she said drastically improved the development of her son, Hunter, now 6. Dales said the insurer has denied most of the claims, citing incorrect billing codes or use of an unqualified therapist - among other reasons. The couple first turned to family fundraisers - and now loans. "We can't keep taking loans out," she said. In the past few years, more than half the states have passed legislation mandating some level of autism coverage, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But some families of autistic children say they've received little or no benefits. Insurance companies in Kentucky say the state's mandate has required a smoothing-out period to address legal gray areas and other unforeseen challenges. Autism advocates say insurers have had plenty of time … Continue reading →

By M. English Journal Register News Service Plymouth Meetings Heather Brucker, who spearheaded the stem cell donor drive at this years Whitemarsh Township Day, with husband Scott and children David, 11, Marissa, 9, and Matthew, 5. Photo courtesy of subjects View and purchase photos At least thats how Heather Brucker sees it. When the Plymouth Meeting woman heard childhood friend Justin Kleins wife, Shira, had been diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma and was searching for a compatible stem cell donor, Brucker just felt like I had to do whatever I could to help. [The Kleins, residents of East Brunswick, N.J.,] formed an organization called Smiles for Shira, and in just a few short months, nearly 100 drives have been held across the country [and] an astounding 19 matches have been made to individuals waiting for a stem cell transplant, Brucker says. Smiles for Shira has done an incredible job of raising awareness of the need for stem cell donors. The number of matches they have uncovered to date is a remarkable accomplishment, and the hundreds of names that have been added to the national registry hold the possibility for so many more. Reasoning Whitemarsh Township Day with the huge number of … Continue reading →