School Committee Discusses New Autism Insurance Legislation

At its meeting Tuesday night, the School Committee discussed recent legislation on the delivery of services to students with autism, Asperger's syndrome and all other pervasive developmental disorders.

The committee heard a presentation from Amy Weinstock, chair of the insurance committee for Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, to better understand how this new legislation will impact the Lexington Public Schools.

The new Autism Insurance Legislation, or, the Acts Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA) requires private health insurance companies to cover medical treatment for autism and other developmental disorders. The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick on Aug. 3, 2010, and was enacted, on Jan. 1. 

ARICA covers habilitative, rehabilitative, pharmaceutical, psychiatric, psychological and therapeutic care for children with any kind of autism spectrum disorder. Some of the costs that previously weren't covered by insurance companies include speech therapy, various medications and social skills groups.

In a growing national trend, Massachusetts is the 23rd state to pass this kind of legislation with no cost or age limits on such bills.

“The system was somewhat broken,” said Weinstock. “Insurance companies weren't really bringing anything to the table. This will bring about a much needed change.”

Weinstock explained what this means for Lexington, and Massachusetts schools at large, stating that, “many families with children with autism have a hard time accessing autism services. This law will help alleviate that.”

Weinstock went on to detail how schools will benefit in the long term. This legislation will help to diagnose students earlier than ever, and will provide better opportunities to integrate autistic students into a less restrictive environment, and possibly, even help them through their entire school career, she said.

Previously, schools trying to “do the right thing and give autistic children all the care they can provide,” fell short because of high costs, said Weinstock.

“It will be a gradual shift for the schools,” she explained. “But the overall policy implications when looking at the burden of special education treatments such as autism care, will fall less on the state, and now, more on the insurance providers.”

Going forward, School Committee members said they recognize the need to work closer than ever with parents of autistic children.

“It's a whole new area of interest for us," said Committee Member Jessie Steigerwald. 

For more on ARICA, visit its website.