Autism Bill Moves Forward In Senate Committee

RICHMOND, Va. (WUSA) --Tuesday, February 10th, the bill to require insurance companies to cover autism therapy passed the Senate Finance Committee by a vote of 10 to 5. Next stop: the Senate Floor.

It will have a tough time getting to the House floor since lawmakers in one House Subcommittee derailed the bill by not voting on it.

On Monday, dozens of Virginia parents rallied to encourage lawmakers to support the legislation.

"This is my son Will, he was diagnosed with Autism when he was two, " said Marina Tuttle of Leesburg.

One parent after another shared their story of desperation, outrage, and for some, bankruptcy.

Tuttle said "My father is sponsoring the treatment, .. I'm out of money can't sell the house." Recently divorced, she said her insurance covered her marriage counseling, but won't cover her child's therapy that could help him communicate well enough to be mainstreamed by six years old.

Even though doctors prescribe intense therapy for autistic children, which can lead to mainstreaming the children, the 40-thousand dollar annual price tag is not covered by insurance companies.

The number of autistic children has risen to 1 in 152, and it's mostly boys.

These families want Virginia lawmakers to require insurance companies cover the treatment.

Eight states including Louisiana have passed legislation requiring insurance cover treatment. But when the bill came up before in a Virginia house subcommittee, lawmakers were silent, choosing to not vote at all.

"Those poor children who won't get the help they need. Where are their morals?" said Cassandra Oldham who has two children with Autism and is paying out of pocket for the therapy.

Republican Dave Albo says lawmakers are worried about the cost to small businesses who are already struggling.

But these parents say it shouldn't be about money.

"What is the point of not giving a human being a chance, an opportunity?" asks Oldham.