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For Immediate Release
10/31/08
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Pippy: New Autism Insurance Web site Provides Information to Families 

www.paautisminsurance.org

Moon –State Sen. John Pippy (R-37) said today that a new state web site has been launched to help families with autistic children find answers to insurance coverage questions. 

Pippy said the web site, www.paautisminsurance.org, was created to help inform families about Act 62, which was passed in July. The new law requires private insurance companies to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorder. Children under the age of 21 are eligible for up to $36,000 in autism treatment. The benefits will be included in policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2009. 

"Act 62 provides families with access to autism insurance coverage, and the Act 62 web site provides a wide range of useful information in one place," said Pippy. "Details concerning who is covered by the law, which treatments are included, and more are readily available. I would encourage anyone caring for a family member with autism to check it out." 

In addition to the private insurance coverage, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare will provide coverage to children who exceed the $36,000 cap. The department will also continue to provide autism service coverage to children whose parent's private insurance policy does not cover autism services. 

Autism is complex, life-long disability that usually begins to appear in a child between 15 and 20 months of age. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 150 children has some form of autism. Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. Autism can affect social behavior, language skills and the way a child's body acts.

CONTACT:

Matt Campion
(717) 787-5839