State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.
May 22, 2008
Crisco Applauds Governor For Signing Bill That Provides Health Coverage For Autism
The co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Senator Joseph Crisco (D-Woodbridge) is applauding Governor Rell for signing a key health care bill into law. The legislation requires insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder therapies. Senator Crisco co-sponsored the bill, got it approved by the committee and played a leadership role in getting it approved in the Senate during the closing hours of the 2008 session of the General Assembly.
"I worked hard to get this legislation approved because autism is increasing at an alarming rate and there is such a great need to provide more treatment," said Senator Crisco.
The American Psychiatric Association refers to autism as a pervasive developmental disorder that is more often referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It can be diagnosed by the age of three, and is associated with some degree of mental retardation, and sometimes observed with a diverse group of general medical conditions.
The bill requires health insurance policies in Connecticut to cover physical, speech, and occupational therapy services provided to treat autism spectrum disorders if the policies cover these services for other diseases and conditions. ASD affects nearly 22,000 families in Connecticut and studies show males are four times more likely to have the disease than females.
"Connecticut has taken a lead over the years in providing health care insurance for a number of illnesses, and I'm pleased this legislation will extend coverage to include autism spectrum disorder," said Senator Crisco. "More therapy and treatment options are now available for autism, and this will help the children in our state who are suffering from this disease, and that may include improving their educational opportunities."
Senator Crisco also thanked Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe for his strong support of the legislation and University of Connecticut men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun for his efforts to increase awareness about autism. Calhoun visited the Capitol in April to participate in Autism Awareness Day.
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