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There is unprecedented support from providers and organizations across the state to bring autism insurance coverage to North Carolina. Senate Bill 676 was introduced by Senators Apodaca and Krawiec and co-signed by ten other Senators.
UPDATE: The Senate passed bill 676 Tuesday, April 28th with a vote of 47 in favor and 1 apposed. Senator Apodoca thanked all of the stakeholders for working together in this process and called this a “historic day in North Carolina.” The Autism insurance bill will now move to the House.

SUPPORT SENATE BILL 676 –
AUTISM HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

In North Carolina, nearly 1 in 58 individuals live with autism spectrum disorder. A group of North Carolina practitioners, family advocates, and payers worked together to propose a legislative solution for North Carolina to provide insurance coverage that is evidence based, clinically driven and effectively managed to deliver intensive interventions that will significantly improve functional outcomes for many affected children.

Senate Bill 676 introduced by Senators Apodaca and Krawiec and co-signed by 10 other Senators embraces many of the concepts developed by this North Carolina coalition. S676 does not focus on a single therapy, rather it adds flexibility by supporting a range of therapies for individuals living with autism.

Our organizations support Senate bill 676. This bill contains language that has been developed by experts across the medical, policy, advocacy and payer sectors and, with a few minor adjustments needed to ensure a smooth, fair and cost-effective implementation, offers a workable path for health insurance benefits to address autism:

Represents a balanced and negotiated North Carolina-based solution developed by North Carolina providers.

Provides a clear definition of Adaptive Behavioral Treatment that is not limited to only one type of therapy, but includes applied behavioral analysis as well as other evidence based interventions, including ones that were developed here in North Carolina by TEACCH.

Provides access for children living across the entire state by supporting a range of professional disciplines to implement intensive interventions with necessary oversight for effective implementation.

Balances concerns about providing quality treatment with a cost-effective model. Provides a benefit through age 18.

We are very appreciative of Senator Apodaca and leadership of the Senate for the introduction of Senate Bill 676 and stand ready to support the bill and offer any assistance that is needed.

UPDATE: The Senate passed bill 676 Tuesday, April 28th with a vote of 47 in favor and 1 apposed. Senator Apodoca thanked all of the stakeholders for working together in this process and called this a “historic day in North Carolina.” The Autism insurance bill will now move to the House.