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Dear NH Advocate for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), The Autism Insurance Reform Movement in New Hampshire has begun: Rep. Suzanne Butcher (D-Keene) has filed a bill that would require private insurance companies operating in NH to cover standard treatment protocols for autism spectrum disorder. She is joined by co-sponsors Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter), Sen. Kathleen Sgambati (D-Tilton), Sen. Molly Kelly (D-Keene), Sen. Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth) and Rep. Jill Hammond (D-Peterborough). In 2008, volunteers in five other states - Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois -- achieved insurance coverage for their children, including coverage for behavior-based treatment. A total of eight states now meet the standards of appropriate coverage as set out by Autism Speaks and other national groups. These include ending autism insurance discrimination and covering treatments and therapies that are medically necessary for our children such as speech, occupational therapy and behavior-based therapy. NH has a proud tradition in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities through the grassroots activism of ordinary parents and citizens. We have enlisted the help of the Autism Society of New Hampshire, the Autism Society of America, and Autism Speaks Government Relations Department for technical assistance. However, the real work of educating our legislators about the needs of our children falls to us, the parents and self-advocates who have struggled to make medically necessary treatment affordable and available for all NH families that support someone with ASD. We have a long road ahead through the legislative process. To achieve coverage for children in our state, we need everyone's help! HOW CAN YOU HELP? 1. EMAIL us at AutismInsuranceReformNH@gmail.com if you are interested in helping to lead efforts in your region, speak with state legislators, attend hearings in Concord, and help us spread the word. We would also like to hear from New Hampshire parents of children with ASD who have been denied insurance coverage for a treatment that your child's doctor has determined to be medically necessary (for example, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, or a program based on ABA). 2. VISIT the AutismVotes.org website and register to receive their Advocacy Alerts. This will ensure that you receive the most updated information as quickly as possible. 3. FORWARD this information to your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, therapists and co-workers -- anyone living in the State of New Hampshire who would be interested in helping you work to end insurance discrimination for children with ASD. We thank you for your support, Kirsten Murphy, Advocacy Chair, NH Chapter, Autism Speaks Michelle Jarvis, President, Autism Society of NH |