Autism is now viewed more as a range of symptoms rather than as a single condition. It is often first recognized through delays in communication and social interaction, which show up in language development and imaginary play. Growing awareness of the extent of the problem increased the need for health insurance. Florida residents can benefit from recent legislation that increased their coverage options.
Whether referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorders or Autism Spectrum Disorders, awareness of and assistance in dealing with autism and related conditions has grown. In recent years, state and federal legislation have been passed to address the issue. Florida health insurance plans are required to cover certain related services now.
It’s estimated that one in 110 children experience some form of autism. At the milder end of this spectrum, Aspergers syndrome is often not diagnosed until after puberty or during the adult years. This is common because early development presents no noticeable deviations from the norm and, significantly, accompanies no delay in the development of language skills.
Most of time, people with Aspergers syndrome are aware of certain differences between their experiences and experiences that are common to others. They frequently realize when they need help to maintain an independent lifestyle. Aspergers syndrome may also be present in combination with other learning disabilities.
Florida Health Insurance Was Required To Cover Autism With 2007-2008 Legislation
Florida was among nine states to pass legislation dealing with autism and health insurance during the 2007-2008 legislative session. Health insurance for Florida must cover autism now.
While 23 states required insurers to provide autism treatments and 12 additional states required limited coverage for autism, the federal government also addressed the situation.
In 2009, the Federal Autism Treatment Acceleration Act was passed to enhance research, support and treatment for individuals who experience autism spectrum disorders as well as their families. This law requires group health insurance for Florida to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
The 2010 health care reform law also mandated that Florida health insurance companies accept applications for coverage of children regardless of any pre-existing health concerns. Similar access to coverage is scheduled to be offered to adults in 2014.
Will Florida Health Insurance Premiums Rise With Mandated Care?
While autism-related treatment may encompass alternative medicine, behavioral intervention, dietary changes and medication, treatment can be very expensive. In 2006, the Harvard School of Public Health put treatment cost estimates at $3.2 million for an entire lifetime.
That raised concerns when coverage was mandated for autism because major cost increases were expected for Florida health insurance premiums. However, the Council for Affordable Health Insurance reported that such an autism mandate only increases the cost of health insurance by about one percent.
People, and their families, who need help for autism-related concerns can get Florida health insurance in new ways now. Children are presently guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions. In addition, children can be covered under their parent’s policy until the age of 26.
Health care reform also required every state to establish high-risk pools to provide health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions. Unfortunately, to be eligible, someone cannot have had health insurance for six months.
To get an idea of premium rates now, people can compare Florida health insurance quotes from different insurers via the Internet. As with any major purchase, taking time to compare a lot of different offers increases the chance of finding less expensive coverage.
By Wiley Long – President, eFLHealthinsurance.com – Florida’s leading independent online health insurance agency specializing in individual and family Florida Health Insurance plans. Get an online Florida Health Insurance quote, compare plans, apply online, and Save!
Related Reading:
No comments:
Post a Comment