Public Policy
Insurance Parity for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disabilities
HB 2918, the Insurance Parity bill for children with pervasive developmental disabilities passed during the 2007 Oregon Legislative session. For purposes of the legislation, a pervasive developmental disorder means a neurological condition that includes Asperger's syndrome, autism, developmental delay, developmental disability or mental retardation. The measure requires a health benefit plan to cover treatment of a child under the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder to the same parameters as treatment of physical illness.
As a part of the legislation the Health Resources Commission was directed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for pervasive developmental disorder as defined in the legislation and to develop a report on a medical, evidence-based standard of the effectiveness of treatments for autism and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. In addition, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education agreed to review current services to people with autism and identify gaps in the system.
More about Insurance Parity for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disabilities »
Family and Community Together (FACT) is a family leadership coalition working to facilitate positive change in policies, systems and attitudes affecting Oregonians with disabilities or chronic health concerns and their families. More about FACT ...