Learning - Legislation

So I am starting the long process of learning about Autism Legislation.   That's right!  Because evidently our Government doesn't regard Autism as something that is effecting our families in the good old US of A.

Even our State government is not!  Well in Tennessee that is!  There are so many states that have adopted legislation that supports Autism and Insurance Reform to protect the individual with Autism. 

Right now in Tennessee there is nothing of substantial help for those individual with Autism to get help from insurance companies.  You see the therapies that individuals with Autism are mostly not paid by insurance.  Can you believe it! And the most relevant, current, and most effective treatment ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Therapy) is not paid by insurance AT ALL, because they say its experimental.   This treatment has been proven over and over again through out the years the effectiveness and yet insurance won't pay! 

However, most states (NOT TENNESSEE) has mandated by legislation that Insurance has to pay for the ABA because with this treatment the individual is more productive and successful in life.

So now I have to read and understand the other state legislation - like the one on Massachusetts - to see how I can make a change in the Tennessee State Legislation.  Or write my own bill and get someone to sponsor the bill.  The Federal Legislation is good for now but it doens't effect the State legislation and since this is a state issue, I have to do something.

So beware!  I will arm myself with the best knowledge and understanding!  Then with the people that can help me make a change.  I am not just an passionate Autism Mom, I am individual who believes that if you have an dx that can be treated that insurance should morally and ethically pay for it!  Since I have to pay my premiums, copay and extremely high deductible.  They should have to do their part, that is what I am paying them to do!  And in order for this to happen the state needs to make the insurance companies to comply!

OH BOY - I hope I have a thick skin to work through this, because it doesn't happen over night.