SUPPORT THE MILITARY FAMILY AUTISM EQUALITY ACT

Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman joined Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees get health care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference.

“The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide quality care to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Grossman. “It also sets an example for insurance companies in the private sector, an important step toward getting all families and individuals affected by autism the appropriate, medically necessary care they need.”

As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime costs. Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not provide coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to needed care.

The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this problem by allowing military retirees to receive coverage under the Department of Defense’s Extended Care health Option (ECHO). The ECHO benefit provides up to $2,500 per month with a maximum of $30,000 per year for this important therapy.

We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send a letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act.

Sincerely,
The Autism Society of America