Keeping health care coverage affordable for people with autism

Last week the House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 2) that seeks to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Signed by President Obama last March, the Affordable Care Act provides protections for people with autism and other disabilities that have been noticeably absent in the insurance marketplace.

The Affordable Care Act has been in effect since September 23, 2010. Among other things, it includes provisions that require insurance companies to:

  • cover children with disabilities and other pre-existing conditions
  • allow young adult children to be covered by their parents’ policies until they reach age 26
  • prohibit the use of lifetime limits

The bill to repeal now goes to the Senate, where it is highly unlikely that further action will be taken. Easter Seals will continue to monitor both the regulatory process and other legislative efforts to alter the Affordable Care Act.

It is vitally important to let our elected officials know the importance and impact of access to high quality and affordable health care coverage for people with autism and other disabilities.


 

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