PUBLIC POLICY By Jennifer Mahan
North Carolina began 2013 with 52 new legislators in the General Assembly and a new governor, who also appointed many new officials throughout state government. 2013, as an odd-numbered year, also brought the legislative “long” session; legislators work from January through June to craft a two-year budget for the state and to introduce new legislation. As of the writing of this article, legislators had extended the long session into July to complete their work. Here’s a look at what they have done so far in relation to the Autism Society of North Carolina’s public policy targets for 2013 and the goals of the autism community. Services and Supports in the Budget With the budget not yet complete, it is not clear where services and supports for individuals on the autism spectrum stand. Legislators have expressed support for continuing existing services and have included funds to make sure that Medicaid, which serves many individuals who are disabled, has the funds it needs. No additional funds were included in the House or Senate budget to reduce waiting lists or expand state-funded services. In addition, funds will be cut from early intervention services, a move that is expected to force the closure of four of the state’s sixteen Children’s Developmental Services Agency offices. CDSAs are responsible for assisting families with young children who have been identified with developmental delays to get services and be connected to resources that help the child to get on a better developmental track. Early intervention is critical for reducing future disability and for reducing long-term costs.
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Autism Insurance House Bill 498, which would require health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism, passed the House in a resounding 105-7 vote in May. The bill will not be heard this year in the NC Senate but remains eligible to be heard in the legislative short session starting in May 2014. Some senators have already expressed support for the measure to their constituents. Sen. Tom Apodaca from Henderson recognized the need for autism insurance during a television interview and in meetings with autism advocates. He has agreed to champion this cause and work to pass the best possible bill for North Carolina during the short session next year. Gov. Pat McCrory says he is looking forward to signing the bill when it gets through the legislature. The bill does not cover everyone; some health plans can only be changed with federal laws. Also, advocates have had to make changes to increase the bill’s likelihood of passing. Every law, including this one, is a compromise. But ASNC will continue to work with the NC Senate throughout the summer and fall to resolve all concerns so that 2014 becomes the year that North Carolina passes autism insurance. Once lawmakers and businesses see the benefits of the law outweigh the tiny cost, we can strengthen the law by adding more plans and people. Please be ready to share your stories positively and courteously with the senator representing your district if called upon during the short session next spring. We have shared tips for how best to do this as well as a link to a map to find your senator in some of our blog posts at http://autismsocietyofnc.wordpress.com.
www.autismsociety-nc.org