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Senator Mikulski’s Reply
By Richard | October 1, 2007
Awhile back I wrote all of my local congressfolks regarding various legislation in other states mandating medical insurance coverage for autism.
Recently, Senator Barbara Mikulski responded:
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Dear Mr. White:
Thank you for getting in touch with me to express your support for the Expanding the Promise for Individuals With Autism Act of 2007 (S. 937). It’s good to hear from you.
I appreciate knowing of your support for this bill. As you may know, S. 937 would provide additional treatment and support, resources, and would increase access to effective therapies and support services for people with autism. This legislation would also provide funding for training, protection and advocacy, evaluation, and dissemination of information about best practice in autism services. Currently, S. 937 is with the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, of which I am a member. Should the HELP Committee take up this legislation, I will be sure to take your comments into consideration.
I know that many American families struggle with the often overwhelming effects of autism on a daily basis. If we could find the cure for autism, we would improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and families across the nation. That’s why I led the charge to double the National Institutes of Health’s budget over five years, and why I am continuing to advocate for increased investment in biomedical research. We must not abandon our commitment to finding the key to curing and preventing conditions like autism.
I understand how important it is to find the best possible education for children with autism. I know that autistic children, like all children, deserve the best education our country can provide. I believe the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is essential to upholding our commitment to children with disabilities and their families. That’s why I was an original cosponsor of IDEA and strongly support full funding of IDEA.
I also understand that caregivers face many demands, including financial stresses. I know the high costs of medications and specialized services can be an enormous burden. That’s why I have proposed legislation to help alleviate the financial burden on families caring for a loved one with special needs. This legislation would provide a tax credit of up to $3,000 to help cover the costs of caregiving expenses, including: prescription drugs, home health care, durable medical equipment, respite care, physical therapy, and specialized services. These provisions are a part of the Alzheimer’s Family Assistance Act of 2007 (S. 897) that I recently introduced.
S. 897 is pending in the Committee on Finance.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Please let me know if I may be of assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
P.S. If I can be of further assistance in the future, please visit my website at http://mikulski.senate.gov
or call my Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4654.
Topics: Insurance, Legislation |