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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Poughkeepsie, NY, United States, 2012/07/11 - Anderson Center for Autism, NY's premiere autism treatment and care facility, explains how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will effect those living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - AndersonCenterforAutism.org.
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In response to last month’s historic ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Anderson Center for Autism has released the following statement:
"Following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010, we at Anderson Center for Autism are assessing precisely what the effects will be for the community we serve.
The law contains specific language that will, in many ways, touch the lives of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Politics aside, the PPACA will affect the way families dealing with ASD pay for and receive medical treatments. These families, and not the politics, are our main concern.
Under the new health care law, children will be able to remain on their parents’ health insurance policy until age 26. This is critical, as finding health insurance for a young adult with ASD can be financially crippling for the individual and their family.
The law also seeks to do away with lifetime dollar limits on health benefits. By the year 2014, these limits -- which are detrimental to those who rely on lifelong medical care -- will be done away with entirely.
The PPACA will also establish and expand "Community First Choice (CFC)" programs. These programs mandate that states develop 'person-centered plans' that provide resources to individuals who would prefer to receive community-based care rather than long term, institutional care.
One of the most relevant components of this legislation to our community is the requirement that all states establish 10 'essential health benefits,' which are set of health care services that must be covered by specific health care plans by 2014. Within these 10 essential benefits is 'Mental Health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment.' The inclusion of 'behavioral health treatment' was added specifically to address autism therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis.
While everything mentioned thus far appears to benefit the ASD community, the Supreme Court Justices actually ruled against a provision that would require that states expand Medicaid to include people earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level -- currently about $14,856 for a single person. In doing so, people with disabilities may no longer be eligible for Medicaid if they earn "too much."
Please note that the PPACA does not affect the new New York State autism treatment health insurance bill which will be taking effect this coming November.
In conclusion and as previously mentioned, our main concern is what is best for the men, women and children with ASD that we serve. We applaud any efforts made with these individuals and their families in mind."
About Autism
Autism, part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. Symptoms range from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects as many as 1 in every 88 children in the United States. Therefore, it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans may be affected with autism.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Anderson Center for Autism (andersoncenterforautism.org) is New York’s premier autism treatment and care facility. They are a non-profit organization located in picturesque Staatsburg, New York that is dedicated to providing the highest quality programs possible for both children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. They employ more than 700 specialists who are expertly trained to diagnose, treat and care for adults and children with autism.
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