Federal Legislative Activity related to Autism. Act Early Summit September 2010

Transcription

1 Federal Legislative Activity related to Autism Act Early Summit September 2010

2 Affordable Care Act September 23 was 6 month anniversary Patient s Bill of Rights goes into effect What does this mean for people with ASD and other disabilities? 2

3 Health reform critical provisions Cannot deny coverage based on preexisting conditions for children under 19 Elimination of annual and lifetime caps (phased in) Insurers cannot cancel or rescind your policy based on incorrect information Insurers can not discriminate based on health status Young adults can stay on parents plan until 26. 3

4 Other Critical provisions Rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices included in essential benefits Improving training of doctors, dentists, allied health professionals Data collection on disability health disparities Prevention programs with focus on disabilities 4

5 Other provisions: Long-term services and supports Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act Community First Choice Option (Sec. 101 of the Community Choice Act) with increased FMAP incentives Continuing funding for Money Follows the Person 5

6 CLASS Act voluntary insurance program to provide services and supports to help those in need remain in their homes and communities For working individuals (18 and up) Premiums average about $123/month Benefits average about $75/day Self-funded and reduces deficit and Medicaid spending 6

7 Community First Choice (CFC) Core elements of the Community Choice Act (Section 101 of S. 683/HR 1670) Medicaid State Plan option (not mandate) To provide community-based attendant services and supports Individuals eligible for nursing homes and other institutional settings 6% enhanced FMAP for states that select the CFC option 7

8 Autism Treatment Acceleration S. 819 introduced by Sen. Durbin, Casey (D-PA), and Menendez (D-NJ) on April 2 H.R introduced by Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) on May 14 Comprehensive services bill that focuses on services across lifespan, not just children Combines elements of Sens. Clinton and Obama/Durbin bills from last Congress

9 Acceleration Act Main elements Demonstration project to develop comprehensive, coordinated autism services Demonstration grants to develop adult services Voluntary population-based registry Provision to strengthen existing national, regional, and local networks National training initiatives to provide interdisciplinary training, continuing education initiatives, and technical assistance Requires that health insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of ASD, including ABA, assistive communication and assistive technology devices 9

10 TRAIN Act Training and Research for Autism Improvement Nationwide Act (H.R.5756) Introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) on July 15 Provides enhanced funding for University Centers for Excellence to train professionals, provide research on evidence based practices, and provide technical assistance Approved by House on Thursday 10

11 Combating Autism Act Expands authorization for NIH research into causes, diagnosis, early detection, intervention, and treatment $21 million in FY 2011 for the CDC s Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program $52 million to HRSA to increase awareness, reduce barriers to screening and diagnosis, promote evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism, and train professionals $158 million for Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee 11

12 Combating Autism Act Must be reauthorized by September 30, 2011 sunset provisions Working with ASA, Speaks, ES, ASAN and others to educate members of Congress and to develop draft legislation Sen. Dodd interested but retiring. Sen. Durbin (IL) and Reps. Doyle (PA) and Smith (NJ) likely to take the lead Need help educating Congress members 12

13 Issues for next Congress Autism Treatment Acceleration Act and TRAIN Combating Autism Act reauthorization Keeping All Students Safe Act (restraints bill) Achieving Better Life Experience Act Workforce Investment Act employment Elementary and Secondary Education Act Crime Victims with Disabilities Act Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act DD Act and Family Support 13

14 Political Context Congress will adjourn very soon Lame duck session to finish appropriations and other priorities House could change majorities Likely to be more partisan, acrimonious, not less We desperately need new champions 14

15 Resources AUCD: Public policy Autism Health Care HUB Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities: Autism Speaks Insurance Tracking: me/b /k.b9df/state_initiatives.htm - for state autism profiles

16 NCSL Database for state legislation 16

17 Questions? 17