Senator Fuschillo Applauds Senate Passage of Landmark Autism Health Insurance Bill

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. today announced that the New York State Senate has approved landmark legislation that he sponsors to provide insurance coverage for autism screening, diagnosis and treatment in New York State. Currently, individuals with autism are routinely denied insurance benefits for treatment of their disorder.

Senator Fuschillo (R-Merrick) said, “Many families who have a child with autism are literally facing financial ruin just to get care for their child, because their health insurance company does not cover the treatment costs. This legislation will ensure that these clinically proven treatments are covered by insurance and put an end to parents being forced to choose between going broke or getting treatment for their child with autism.”

The legislation (S. 7000-B) would require private insurance companies to provide coverage for diagnosis of autism and for medically approved treatments for individuals with autism throughout their lifetime.

Michael Giangregorio of Merrick, who has a son with autism, said, “Providing for a person with autism is both emotionally and financially draining. The passage of this legislation will finally offer the financial relief to thousands of families across the state who have a loved one with autism. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the members of the Senate for seeing to the needs of a community who has been underserved for so long. I am grateful to Senator Fuschillo for his unwavering commitment to our community.”

Senator Fuschillo has long advocated for children with autism. He authored a law to ensure that patients with autism receive equitable coverage for care from insurance companies. He also wrote the law authorizing the issuance of special autism license plates that raise money for a state autism awareness and research fund. Currently, there are more than 20 states that have passed laws for autism insurance coverage. The legislation now goes to the State Assembly.