Resolution on Autism Coverage Exposed

The Resolution on Autism Coverage was adopted by ALEC's Health and Human Services Task Force on July 17, 2009, approved by the ALEC Board of Directors August 27, 2009. ALEC has attempted to distance itself from this piece of legislation after the launch of ALECexposed.org in 2011, but it has done nothing to get it repealed in the states where it previously pushed for it to be made into law.

ALEC Resolution Text

WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorders are biological disorders of the brain that impair communication and social skills; and

WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorders affect 1.5 million Americans, including one in 500 children,[i] and autism spectrum disorders may affect as many as one in 67 children; and

WHEREAS, Autism spectrum disorders are more prevalent than spina bifida, cancer, or Down syndrome;[ii] and

WHEREAS, Direct annual costs for autism average $29,000 for medical treatment and behavioral therapies and $38,000 to $43,000 for special education, camps, and child care;[iii] and

WHEREAS, There is no single treatment that works for everyone with autism spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, Many aspects of autism spectrum disorders may not be covered by insurance.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT {insert state legislative body} urges the United States Congress to act quickly to

1. Add autism bionutritional care as a qualified health expense for health savings accounts (HSAs);

2. Offer tax deductions for families and donors to cover dietary treatment and any recommended therapy, which would provide similar opportunities to pay for care; and

3. Increase the annual limits on HSA contributions to provide a way for families to finance part of the costs of treatment for their children.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Copies of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and the appropriate leadership of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Approved by the Health and Human Services Task Force on July 17, 2009.

Approved by the ALEC Board of Directors on August 27, 2009.

[i] http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2006-releases/press04252006.html

[ii] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15121991

[iii] http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/2006-releases/press04252006.html