Published: May 19, 2008 11:44 pm            

Lawmakers should give Nick’s Law consideration

Oklahoma lawmakers are receiving quite a push from parents and family members of children suffering a spectrum of autistic illnesses to require health insurance to cover autism.

Oklahoma is not the only state considering such legislation, and family members of these children are not deterred in trying to make lawmakers see the light.

Here in Oklahoma, they’ve lobbied the Legislature, they’ve taken out ads and they’ve testified to whoever will hear them about the financial demands on families with autistic children.

It’s a heart-wrenching, passionate story. And, what seems to be apparent, it’s a story that more and more people are becoming familiar with as physicians understand better the many aspects of autism.

In Oklahoma the legislation, sponsored by Democrat Sen. John Gumm, is called Nick’s Law, for Nick Rhode, the autistic child of Wayne and Robyne Rhode of Edmond. The legislation seeks to end the gap in insurance coverage for children with autism. It would require insurance companies to cover essential services for individuals with autism.

According to proponents of Nick’s Law, the cost of adding this coverage would amount to around $1.70 for single policy rates and $4.59 for family rates.

House Speaker Chris Benge has decided not to hear the bill, saying the issue needs further study. Republicans opposing the bill say there needs to be more review of the issue, and they are wary of the costs of adding such a mandate. In fact, other insurance mandates, such as improving veterans’ health care, have also not made it to the floor.

Proponents of this new law say today one in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than many other illnesses, such as pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS. We believe these statistics because we know that autism is becoming more understood and better diagnosed. We also know that diagnosing autism early gives children and families a much better chance of progressing through the disability and improving their quality of life.

This is the last week of the legislative session, and it is likely this topic won’t be given a vote. We do believe this situation deserves more consideration and that families of autistic children need consideration by insurance companies.