Senate To Expand Health Coverage For Children With Autism SPRINGFIELD, IL (wsiu) - Families with autistic children are caught in the middle of an ongoing dispute between Illinois' Governor and House lawmakers.
Senators have once again advanced a measure that would expand health coverage for those with autism. It would require insurers to cover up to 36-thousand dollars a year in autism treatments and pay for unlimited doctor's visits until the patient's 21 years old. But despite what appears to be overwhelming support for the concept, the legislation has yet to win final approval. That's because House members don't trust the governor to carry out such programs.
The House has tacked on rule making language that is designed to thwart Governor Rod Blagojevich's attempts to expand health care without legislative input. The end result ... no agreement and the measure keeps stalling.
Critics say it would result in higher health insurance costs for small businesses. But supporters say families with autistic kids need help with the huge financial burdens they face.
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