Once again Governor Blagojevich has used his amendatory veto power to include language to require insurance coverage for medically necessary services for children with autism. He added the new provision for autism along with coverage for physical therapy for people with MS to HB 953, a bill requiring insurance coverage for marriage counseling that was sent to his desk for signature.
In July, the Governor held a press conference to announce a previous amendatory veto to HB 4255, a bill requiring insurance coverage for physical therapy for people with MS. The House did not take up the amendatory veto and let the bill die essentially denying insurance coverage for medically necessary treatments once again for children with ASD and physical therapy for people suffering from MS.
Please take a moment and call your state representatives and let them know how important these medical services are for our children and families. The AV is for HB 953. The House is scheduled to come to Springfield next week. You may find your legislators contact information at www.ilga.gov.
There has been numerous attempts to pass insurance coverage for our kids, it's time we got it done!