Local News
Parents vow to keep fighting for autism bill
OKLAHOMA CITY — Parents of autistic children vowed Wednesday to continue to fight for legislation requiring insurers to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism after a state House committee refused to give the bill a hearing.
“We’re not going to go away,” said Robyne Rohde of Edmond, whose son, 10-year-old Nick Rohde, suffers from autism. “The one thing they’ll never take away from us is hope.”
The legislation, known as Nick’s Law, was assigned to the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee last month after it was approved by the Senate. But the committee’s chairman, Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, refused to give it a hearing.
The bill’s author, Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, expressed frustration about the bill’s demise and said he has filed an amendment to incorporate Nick’s Law into unrelated legislation that is pending in the Senate.
“I have never seen a perversion of the legislative process like we did today,” said Gumm, who was flanked by more than a dozen parents of autistic children who appeared at the state Capitol to express support for the measure.
Gumm said the bill received bipartisan support in the Senate and deserved to be heard in Peterson’s committee.
“What are they afraid of?” Gumm said. “That’s why people elect us, to have these discussions.”
Peterson said he is concerned the autism mandate may raise insurance costs. A fiscal impact report on the bill states the autism requirements will increase the cost of insurance provided by the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board by $6 million a year.
Higher costs may force more Oklahomans to go without insurance, Peterson said.
“This is like throwing gas on a fire and expecting it to go out,” he said.
Peterson said the families of autistic children have a right to try to influence legislation. “I have to take all Oklahomans in consideration when crafting public policy,” he said.
Gumm said similar measures have been adopted in 18 other states. Texas, where an autism treatment mandate was approved last year, has seen no increase in insurance costs, he said.
“This is baffling to us,” said Bob Greve of Edmond, whose 5-year-old son is autistic.
Greve said insurance companies should be required to defend their exclusion of autism from covered conditions. He said his family spends up to $3,800 a month on medical and behavioral therapy for his son — costs that are only partially covered by his insurance company.
Autism is a bio-neurological disability that affects communication skills in young children, many of whom also suffer from ailments such as allergies, asthma and epilepsy. Officials estimate it affects about one of every 150 children.
Greve said an autism coverage mandate would help eliminate the physical suffering of autistic children.
“Our children are not throwaway kids,” said Greve’s wife, Liza Greve, who added that autism is treatable.
Gumm said it is ironic that state lawmakers who support anti-abortion legislation would oppose a measure designed to help some of the most vulnerable children. Failure to treat them can lead to children becoming wards of the state, he said.
“These children are here. They deserve to be protected,” Gumm said.
- Local News
-
-
Edmond Memorial gets ready for Swine Week 2010
Edmond Memorial High School students took to the streets over the weekend to begin raising money for Swine Week, the school’s annual fundraiser.
-
Family seeks volunteers for bone marrow match
A series of bone marrow and blood drives has been scheduled for Edmond, Oklahoma City and Norman to help Dee Dee Dixon Rund, president of Oklahoma City Abstract and Title Company, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.
-
Council moves ahead with softball complex
The City Council approved the advancement of the $4.5 million adult softball complex into its second phase Monday night.
-
Lawmakers, Scouts celebrate 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts
State Reps. Scott Martin and Lewis Moore were proud today to welcome and celebrate with a number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who attended events at the state Capitol commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
-
High school students explore health careers at Mercy
Deer Creek High School students were among more than 700 high schoolers who explored health care careers Friday at Mercy Health Center.
-
OC junior sings Valentines for mission projects
-
2-9 Where to Vote: Polling Precincts
Polls will be open for the Edmond Public Schools Board of Education District 5 election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, but other voting options are available.
The Oklahoma County and Logan County election boards can accept absentee ballots until the close of polling stations. -
Edmond bank agrees to improve policies, practices
State and federal regulators have given an Edmond bank a deadline for submitting a written plan to strengthen oversight of bank management and operations.
-
Governor’s race brings in Edmond cash
Fervor for the 2010 gubernatorial race is bringing in a flood of money for political action committees.
-
Panel tables county jail issue
An advisory panel Friday rejected a recommendation calling for county commissioners to pursue a new estimated $330 million jail, then voted to revisit the issue at a later date.
- More Local News Headlines
-
