ACTION ALERT: Be Poised for Action on WEDNESDAY!

Important heads-up from Autism Votes!
An urgent action item is coming!

Dear Autism Advocate,

HEALTH CARE REFORM UPDATE: Things are moving VERY quickly in the House now with health care reform and we need you to be ready to act at a moment's notice and give it everything you've got!

Last night, The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed an autism amendment offered by Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), Chairman of the Congressional Autism Caucus and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, to H.R. 3200, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 - the House health care reform bill that is currently undergoing markup in the Energy and Commerce Committee. His amendment would set up national training initiatives on autism.

We anticipate that Congressman Doyle will introduce a very important amendment to the bill tomorrow that will SEEK TO END AUTISM INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION ONCE AND FOR ALL.

When that happens, we will need you to be ready to call following our direction AS FAST AND FURIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE.

We will need to make a loud statement that want this amendment to be attached to the bill.

Our children deserve appropriate healthcare that provides them with access to the medical treatments and therapies that can help them live more productive and fulfilling lives. Keep every one of them in mind as we make our way through this next stage in the process. They are counting on you!

Stay Tuned!

Elizabeth Emken
Vice President, Govenment Relations
Autism Speaks

ACTION: "FAX FRIDAY" to Speaker Pelosi, and THANK Representative Doyle for Supporting Autism Insurance Reform in Healthcare Reform!

Autism Speaks - Rep. Mike Doyle's [PA] Opening Remarks (July 16, 2009) 2:19

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt3vxn_n1g8

Washington, DC (July 16, 2009) -- In his opening remarks during the House Energy and Commerce Committee markup of HR 3200, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14), chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, pledged that any bill that does not put an end to autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable.

TAKE ACTION TODAY:

• FAX IN FRIDAY! Fax a message to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi!
  (you don't need a FAX machine to send this message! Autism Votes will do it for you if you send through the link!)
  
  
• SEND REP. DOYLE A THANK YOU NOTE!

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Help Keep the Message on the Airwaves!

THURSDAY'S ACTION ALERT: Keep your calls coming to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid

"...Autism Speaks is constantly adapting a strategy to give us the best chance of making this [autism insurance reform in health care reform] happen. The strategy may change every hour or it may appear redundant but there is a "method to the madness". The important thing is that as the troops, we stay alert and be ready to act when we get our mission plans..."

This is crunch time and if ever there was a time for concerted
grassroots action and advocacy - this is it.

A message passed along by one of the state Advocacy Chairs of Autism Speaks...

"Thursday, July 16 2009

Autism is relentless. In order to effect a change at the national level, we must be relentless too.

The government relations team at Autism Speaks is monitoring the health care reform issue in D.C. very closely. A health care reform bill is going to pass - likely in the next several weeks. The issues we face as families affected by autism must be addressed in this bill.

Autism Speaks is constantly adapting a strategy to give us the best chance of making this happen. The strategy may change every hour or it may appear redundant but there is a "method to the madness". The important thing is that as the troops, we stay alert and be ready to act when we get our mission plans.

Today's mission

Make two phone calls.
Call Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at the phone numbers below:

Speaker Pelosi (202) 225-0100
Majority Leader Reid (202) 224-3542

Just say this:
"Hi, My name is ____________ ___. I am calling from (Your city, your state). I want you to know that health care reform that does not stop autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable. Thank you."

Be patient. Be polite. Keep dialing until you get through to them. Then do it again. If the voice mail box is full, call back and request that the receptionist take a message. Please send this message on to 15 other people.

Thanks and stay tuned!

Michael Wasmer, DVM
Founder, The Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation (KCAL)
Autism Speaks Kansas Chapter Advocacy Chair
www.autismvotes.org

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Call Speaker Pelosi and demand autism insurance reform be part of health care reform

URGENT ACTION REQUEST -
CALL U.S. HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI'S OFFICE to let her know that health care reform MUST include autism insurance reform!
and
PASS THIS MESSAGE FORWARD.
THANK YOU!

From Autismvotes
------------ --------- --------- -------

"The health reform ship has sailed and autism insurance reform is
currently NOT ON IT.

U.S. H.R. 3200 is currently IN MARK UP and our hope of achieving autism insurance reform for children with autism as part of the larger health reform initiative WILL REQUIRE AN AMENDMENT to the Resolution.

NOW MORE THAN EVER IS THE TIME TO,

CALL U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Office at
202-225-0100
and tell her office that health insurance reform that does not stop autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable.

You must get 20 people in your life MINIMUM to start calling NOW, and you must keep the PRESSURE UP and keep the PRESSURE ON if you want to see this for your children.

All you have to say is this simple message:

"Hi. My name is ________. I believe that health insurance that does not stop autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable and I am counting on Speaker Pelosi to be sure that children with autism have appropriate coverage for the treatments and therapies they deserve access to for their medical condition. Thank you."
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ACTION ALERT: AD and Phone-in Campaign to End Autism Insurance Discrimination as Part of Health Care Reform! Calling on YOUR HELP.

Today, Autism Speaks has launched its first national television advocacy campaign, "Neighbors", aimed at reaching millions of informed and politically active Americans and asking them to call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and tell them that ending autism insurance discrimination must be part of Health Care Reform Legislation.

Autismvotes is alerting that phone calls from ALL autism families AND those of friends and extended family are crucial for our issue to be taken seriously and included in Health Care Reform. This is an opportunity that has huge significance for our children. The phone-in campaign kicks off TODAY and will be ongoing until autism insurance reform is included in health reform.

“Neighbors" depicts the consequences of insurance company discrimination against individuals with autism and calls on the American public to urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to end autism insurance discrimination in the upcoming health care reform legislation.

1. CALL HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI (D-CA) & SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID (D-NV) AT THE PHONE NUMBERS BELOW!

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: (202) 225-0100

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: (202) 224-3542


If you aren't sure of what to say, just say this:

"Hi, My name is _______________. I am calling from (Your city, your state). I want you to know that health care reform that does not stop autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable. People with autism deserve coverage for the treatments and therapies that will help their medical condition. Thank you."

Be patient. Be polite. Keep dialing until you get through to them. Then do it again.

2. CLICK HERE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO SENATE MAJORITY LEADER REID AND HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI, URGE THEM TO WATCH THE AUTISM SPEAKS AD, "NEIGHBORS", AND TO END AUTISM INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION!

IMPORTANT: Make sure to add some personal information on why this is such an important issue for you and your family. Be sure to let them know that all children with autism from coast to coast deserve appropriate insurance coverage.

3. IMPORTANT: FORWARD THIS ACTION ALERT ACROSS THE COUNTRY!

Put this action alert on your Facebook page, Twitter it, forward to Yahoo groups and local support groups. Forward this email to at least 20 people that do NOT have a child with autism - neighbors, extended family, coworkers, old college and high school friends - and ask them to make these two calls every day for your child

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The health care reform debate in this country is reaching a fever pitch. Autism insurance reform can and MUST be included in the final health care reform bill that President Obama has stated he will sign by the end of October. THIS IS THE TIME to end autism insurance discrimination once and for all. Our children have a medical condition which deserves appropriate treatment, therapy and care. Congress needs to know that health care “reform” that fails to stop autism insurance discrimination is unacceptable.

To stay updated on this initiative and more, register at


www.autismvotes.org!

ACTION ALERT: Autism Speaks Launches an Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA) Ad This Week and YOUR HELP NEEDED To Connect With Congress

This week, Autism Speaks is launching a major ad campaign supporting federal autism insurance reform with the goal to be the LOUDEST VOICE ON CAPITOL HILL and move these bills forward.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS VITAL.

All of our voices are needed to make sure this ad
hits home for Oregon's Congressional Delegation!
In a state with one of the highest prevalence rates in the nation, it is imperative that they sign on and help our kids.

Click here to download a flyer with the information in this blogpost

Click on the picture for the full size ad

This ad campaign is being placed in various publications to raise awareness about the need for CONGRESS TO ACT on Federal autism insurance reform and for members of Congress TO BECOME CO-SPONSORS of the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA), S. 819 in the U.S. Senate, and H.R. 2413 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

One key provision of the ATAA requires insurance companies from COAST TO COAST to provide coverage of medically necessary autism treatments, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Let's make sure that OUR Senators and Representatives SEE THIS AD OVER AND OVER AGAIN and HEAR FROM FAMILIES and friends of families affected by autism--EACH DAY THIS WEEK!

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HOW YOU CAN HELP
in 4 steps
Download-Fax-Follow up -Forward

1. Download and print out a copy of the Autism Speaks ATAA ad HERE!

2. FAX a personalized copy of the ad to our Federal Senators and House District Representatives!

After printing out a copy of the ad, find a good spot on the ad itself, or on a separate sheet of paper, to write a short personal message asking your Senators and House Representative to cosponsor thes bills, S.819 in the Senate and H.R. 2413 in the House.

BE SURE to include the bill number in your message.

Neither of our federal Senators, Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley, nor any other member of the Oregon Delegation to Congress has yet agreed to co-sponsor ATAA - S. 819/H.R. 2413, even though Representatives DeFazio, Wu and Blumenauer are members of the Congressional Autism Caucus.

To find the Fax and Phone information for Congressional Representatives

Senator Ron Wyden
Fax: 202-228-2717; Phone: 202-224-5244




Senator Jeff Merkley
Fax: 202-228-3997 Phone: 202-224-3753




Representative David Wu [District 1-Clatsop, Columbia, Washington, Yamhill and part of Multnomah.]
Fax: 202-225-9497 Phone: 202-225-0855



Representative Greg Walden [District 2-Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Grants Pass area of Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler.]
Fax: 202-225-5774 Phone: 202-225-6730


Representative Earl Blumenauer [District 3-Most of Multnomah and northern part of Clackamas]
Fax: 202-225-8941 Phone: 202-225-4811



Representative Peter DeFazio [District 4-Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Linn, most of Benton and Josephine.]
Fax: 202-225-0032 Phone: 202-225-6416



Representative Kurt Schrader [District 5-All of Lincoln, Marion, Polk and Tillamook, parts of northern Benton, most of Clackamas and parts of southwestern Multnomah]
Fax: 202-225-5699 Phone: 202-225-5711


3. Follow up with a phone call saying,

"Hi. My name is ________________. I am your constituent and live in (City, STATE). I am calling to be sure that you received a copy of the advertisement that I faxed to your office regarding the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act. I would like Senator/Congressman (Name) to cosponsor this important piece of legislation. The bill number is S. 819 (if you are calling a Senator) or H.R. 2413 (if you are calling a House Representative). Thank you so much. I will keep checking back to see if he/she has signed on because this is very important to me."

4. Forward this to as many people as you can, and ask them to do the same thing!
THEY DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A CHILD WITH AUTISM. Post on message boards in your state or forward to coworkers, neighbors, friends and family and ask them to help you help your child by pressing for appropriate insurance coverage for the premiums you pay!

Spread the word, get people involved and
watch our Representatives really start to sign up to help!

Click here to download a flyer with the information in this blogpost

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• For more information on the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act at Autism Votes
• To register for further alerts about the ATAA and other pertinent issues in our state
• Past blog posts on the Autism Treatment Acceleration Acts S. 819 & H.R. 2413

ACTION: How to take action on the federal Autism Treatment Acceleration Acts of 2009 (ATAA)

The below request has been sent out by Autism Votes, and never was a truer word said than,

"Health insurance reform is the buzz word in Washington, DC right now. We need to generate thousands of calls to be sure that our children's needs for access to the treatments and therapies that will help them are being heard!"

We have an opportunity, but we must keep OUR voices and concerns on the front burner and get these bills passed this Congressional session---so it is extremely important to keep in touch with our members of Congress and get them on-board with the ATAAs [S. 819, H.R. 2413].

Previous posts on the bills

• Friday, June 12, 2009
  A Shift in Gears from HB3000 to the Federal Autism Treatment Acceleration Acts

• Monday, June 1, 2009
  NEWSFLASH: Story in the Huffington Post on The federal Autism Treatment Acceleration Acts: S. 819 & H.R. 2413

Autism Votes CALL FOR ACTION

"We are ramping up our grassroots efforts for the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act and need your immediate attention and support on this issue!

You are receiving this email because you live in a state that worked hard this year to pass autism insurance reform at a state level. Your state legislative efforts have come to an end and you made significant gains this year! Congratulations on all your hard work.

Through this piece of federal legislation, we have the opportunity to end autism insurance discrimination once and for all from coast to coast!

We need your help to do that by calling the following people each day this week!

Health insurance reform is the buzz word in Washington, DC right now. We need to generate thousands of calls to be sure that our children's needs for access to the treatments and therapies that will help them are being heard!

Here's how YOU can help:

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1. CALL YOUR SENATORS IN CONGRESS AND ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR THE ATAA (Senate Bill 819)! You can find out who your senators are HERE - be sure to check here to see if they have already decided to co-sponsor the ATAA prior to calling by checking the list of co-sponsors. Your Senators have received a Dear Colleague letter from the bill's original sponsors which you can read here.

2. CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR THE ATAA (H.R. 2413)! You can find out who your Congressman is HERE. Be sure to check here to see if they have already agreed to co-sponsor the legislation before you call them.

Not sure of what to say? It's easy! Just say this:

"Hi! My name is ____________. I am a constituent of yours and live in (City,State). I am calling to ask you to cosponsor the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (give the appropriate bill number - Senate is S. 819 and House is H.R. 2413). We worked very hard to pass similar legislation as this in our state but were not able to do so this session. We need your help to end autism insurance discrimination. Thank you so much."

> Once you have completed your call, you can send emails to the Members of Congress HERE!

3. FORWARD THIS TO 20 OTHER PEOPLE THAT CAN HELP YOU! If you have ever heard someone say, "I wish there was something we could do to help (insert your child's name here)!", now they can. It is a cost effective way to truly help your child and the other children with autism not only in your state, but nationwide.

---------------------------------------------------------

We can do this!

For more information on the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act, please visit www.autismvotes.org/ataa.

Happy dialing!

Shelley Hendrix
Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks

ACTION ALERT: The moment to ACT on HB 3000 is NOW!

Dear Oregon Autism Families and Advocates,

Our state of Oregon has a legislative session every two years.
This Spring, states all around us -

• New Mexico,
• Montana,
• Colorado and, as recently as this past weekend,
• Nevada,

have passed autism insurance reform legislation to provide their states' children with autism access to therapy coverage through health insurance.

Unless we get some significant traction on Oregon HB 3000 NOW, Oregon's children with autism will have to wait another two years before reform legislation can even be introduced again. HB 3000 provides coverage for medically necessary, evidence based therapies and treatments prescribed by your child's treating physician including ABA therapy, speech and OT.

Today is the moment to ACT to get HB 3000 out of the House Rules Committee and onto the floor of the Oregon House so that the legislative process can continue. It is very easy and only takes five minutes of your time each day--everyone's help is needed!

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP!

1. CONTACT HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN REPRESENTATIVE ARNIE ROBLAN AT 503-986-1409 and ask him to give HB 3000 priority for a hearing!

Not sure of what to say? Just say this:

"Hi, my name is _________________. I live in ______________, Oregon. I am calling to ask that you allow a hearing and vote on HB 3000, the autism insurance reform bill. Thank you so much."

2. CONTACT SPEAKER DAVE HUNT AT 503-986-1200 and ask him to ask Chairman Roblan to hold a hearing for HB 3000.
Speaker Hunt pulled HB 3000 out of the House Health Committee and placed it in the Rules Committee on our behalf--he gave this bill a fighting chance when we needed it, but we might need his help again to keep it on the move!

Not sure of what to say? Just say this:

"Hi, my name is ______________. I live in __________, Oregon. I want to thank you for giving the autism insurance reform bill, HB 3000, a second chance to become a law this session. I am calling to ask you to please speak to Chairman Roblan of the Rules Committee and urge him to move HB 3000 to a hearing so that it can make its way to the House Floor for a vote. Thank you so much!"

3. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ALONG TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN.

Ask them to do the same thing and call Chairman Roblan and Speaker Hunt. They don't have to have a child with autism. They only need to be willing to help, able to dial a phone and say something along the lines of what we have posted above! Send the message to your child's teachers and therapists, your neighbors and coworkers, your family members and friends.

Your goal is to get this request into the hands of at least 20 people you know who will make the calls to support your family, your child and other Oregon children with autism!

For more information on HB 3000, visit www.autismvotes.org/Oregon.

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Happy Dialing! Thank you for your support of Oregon's children with autism!

ACTION ALERT: HB 3000 may be going to hearing! Calls needed NOW!

An ACTION ALERT from Autism Votes to CALL
the members of the Oregon House Rules Committee.

"...it is possible that HB 3000 [insurance reform bill] will be heard in the Oregon House Rules Committee THIS WEEK. We need to refresh our Representatives' minds about autism insurance reform and ask them to vote YES on HB 3000..."

See full message below for phone numbers and followup.
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5/19/09 Autism Votes... It's time for lawmakers to listen.

Dear Oregon Autism Advocate,

It has been a while since we sent out a reminder but we just heard that it is possible that HB 3000 will be heard in the Rules Committee this week. We need to refresh our Representatives minds about autism insurance reform and ask them to vote YES on HB 3000.

We must pass the Rules Committee and then HB 3000 is on it's way to the House floor for a vote and one step closer to becoming a law! If the bill does not get out of the Rules Committee, we will not be able to get appropriate coverage for our children until the next session in 2011.

We need your help to make some noise and let the committee know how very much you want this bill to pass on through the legislative process! They are hearing from the insurance companies...they need to hear from you!

Here is How You Can Help:

1. CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THE RULES COMMITTEE AND ASK THEM TO VOTE YES FOR HB 3000! We need you to contact the following people each day until we tell you to stop and ask them to vote YES on HB 3000. If you are a constituent, be sure to let them know.

> CALL THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE! Calls are way more important than emails. They need to hear your voices and we need their phones ringing off the hook!

Representative Arnie Roblan, Chair - 503-986-1409
Representative Vicki Berger - 503-986-1420
Representative Chris Edwards - 503-986-1414
Representative Bill Garrard - 503-986-1456
Representative Sara Gelser - 503-986-1416
Representative Bob Jenson - 503-986-1458
Representative Mary Nolan - 503-986-1436
Representative Tobias Read - 503-986-1427

Not sure what to say? It's easy! Just say:

"Hi! My name is _________________________. I am calling to ask Representative _____________ to vote YES on HB 3000 and to allow HB 3000 to go to the House Floor for a vote. Thank you so much!"

> CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS! You don't need to know their email addresses, our system will send the email for you. It's easy!

2. MULTIPLY YOUR EFFORTS BY RECRUITING 20 PEOPLE YOU KNOW TO CALL TOO -- JUST FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO THEM! We need to multiply our grassroots efforts exponentially over the course of the next few days and generate thousands of calls. Please forward this to anyone who can help make calls to the committee to ask them to vote YES for HB 3000. They do not have to have a child with autism to be supportive! Think outside the box to neighbors, family members, friends, coworkers - anyone you know who lives in Oregon who would make these calls for your child.


For more information on HB 3000 visit www.autismvotes.org/Oregon!

Keep dialing Oregon. Let's get this done for our kids this year!

Shelley Hendrix
Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks

ACTION ALERT : US House version of "Autism Treatment Acceleration Act" introduced

[Received this message from Autism Votes Fri, May 15.
FYI, this is House Resolution 2143 (H.R. 2413)]

H.R.2413
Title: To provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Sponsor: Rep Doyle, Michael F. [PA-14] (introduced 5/14/2009) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

and is the companion bill to the Senate version,

S.819
Title: A bill to provide for enhanced treatment, support, services, and research for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 4/2/2009) Cosponsors (7)
Latest Major Action: 4/2/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Dear Autism Advocate, Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, today applauded Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Hank Johnson (D-GA) for their introduction of a House companion bill [HR 2143] to the Senate's Autism Treatment Acceleration Act (ATAA) [S.819], which was introduced last month by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Like the Senate version, the House version of the ATAA (H.R. 2413) is comprehensive federal legislation that addresses several critical challenges facing the autism community, including increased funding for scientific research, treatment and services. The ATAA incorporates provisions from the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA), originally proposed by Representatives Doyle, Smith, Engel, and former-Representative Chip Pickering. As in the Senate's ATAA bill, a key section of the House bill requires all insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASDs), including coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy – a medically-necessary, evidence-based autism treatment. While the number of states that have enacted comprehensive autism insurance reform legislation has grown to ten, most state insurers are still allowed to specifically exclude coverage for these critical services, which can cost upward of $50,000 a year – well beyond the means of most families. The House version of the bill also addresses the unique needs of adults with ASDs, creating a demonstration project with one-year planning grants and multi-year implementation grants for the provision of service for adults with autism. In addition, it creates the Network for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research and Services aimed at accelerating the dissemination and utilization of critical, new information, moving it from “bench to bedside” as quickly as possible.

Now Help US Get ATAA Passed!: 1. CONTACT YOUR FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE! Urge him/her to become a cosponsor of the ATAA bill, H.R. 2413. > Call your Representative's office and let him/her know that you support the ATAA bill, H.R. 2413, and you want your Representative to become a cosponsor today. Click here to find the name and phone number for your federal Representative! > Send an email to your Representative! Autism Votes has written part of the email message for you. All you need to do is fill in the empty box with your story about your family's experience with autism and how the ATAA bill will help. Click here to send an email to your Representative! 2. STAY INFORMED ON THE ATAA BILL! Sign up to receive Autism Votes email alerts and stay informed on the progress of the ATAA bill. 3. FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY! Get your friends and family involved in getting the ATAA bill passed.

For a complete summary description of both the House and Senate ATAA bills, visit our website at www.AutismVotes.org/ATAA. Sincerely, Elizabeth Emken Vice President, Government Relations Autism Speaks

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ACTION ALERT: Take Action on HB 3000 to move it from Rules Committee to the House Floor!

An URGENT Take Action request from Autism Votes, some links from this blog site added for more background if desired, but WE MUST STEP UP CALLS AND EMAILS to make HB 3000 stand out from other bills, be voted to go to the House floor and to keep it moving to passage in this Legislative session. As the ACTION ALERT notes, if HB 3000 dies in this session, the next opportunity to submit a bill won't be until 2011--2 years from now, and implementation probably won't be for another year or 2 after that. We have bipartisan support, but HB 3000 MUST make it to House Floor in order for an opportunity for a vote!

Please respond to the action alert and keep contacting the legislators!

THIS IS OUR BEST SHOT.

05/06/09 Autism Votes... It's time for lawmakers to listen.

Dear Oregon Autism Advocate,

States all around us are passing autism insurance reform. As you know Oregon HB 3000 has been introduced in the Oregon legislature and if passed will provide Oregon's children with autism insurance coverage for treatments and therapies they need and deserve, including ABA therapy.

Our next hurdle is the House Rules Committee and then HB 3000 is on it's way to the floor of the House for a vote and one step closer to becoming a law!

If the bill does not get out of the Rules Committee, we will not be able to get appropriate coverage for Oregon's children until the next session in 2011.

We need your help to make some noise and let the committee know how very much you want this bill to pass on through the legislative process! They are hearing from the insurance companies...they need to hear from you!

Here is How You Can Help:

1. CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THE RULES COMMITTEE AND ASK THEM TO VOTE YES FOR HB 3000! We need you to contact the following people each day until we tell you to stop and ask them to vote YES on HB 3000. If you are a constituent, be sure to let them know. > CALL THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE! Calls are way more important than emails. They need to hear your voices and we need their phones ringing off the hook! Representative Arnie Roblan, Chair - 503-986-1409 Representative Vicki Berger - 503-986-1420 Representative Chris Edwards - 503-986-1414 Representative Bill Garrard - 503-986-1456 Representative Sara Gelser - 503-986-1416 Representative Bob Jenson - 503-986-1458 Representative Mary Nolan - 503-986-1436 Representative Tobias Read - 503-986-1427 Not sure what to say? Follow this script: "Hi! My name is _________________________. I am calling to ask Representative _____________ to vote YES on HB 3000 and to allow HB 3000 to go to the House Floor for a vote. Thank you so much!" > CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS! You don't need to know their email addresses, our system will send the email for you. It's easy! 2. MULTIPLY YOUR EFFORTS BY RECRUITING 20 PEOPLE YOU KNOW TO CALL TOO -- JUST FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO THEM! We need to multiply our grassroots efforts exponentially over the course of the next few days and generate thousands of calls. Please forward this to anyone who can help make calls to the committee to ask them to vote YES for HB 3000. They do not have to have a child with autism to be supportive! Think outside the box to neighbors, family members, friends, coworkers - anyone you know who lives in Oregon who would make these calls for your child

Thanks for your time and effort. Please call them and follow up with an email every day. This is very important so that HB 3000 can continue through the legislative process on become a reality. For more information on HB 3000 visit www.autismvotes.org/oregon! Happy dialing! Shelley Hendrix Director of State Advocacy Relations Autism Speaks

Excellent WA Article Covering the Issues of Treatment & Coverage

REMINDER: GET YOUR CALLS, EMAILS AND TESTIMONY
IN SUPPORT OF HB 3000 : Requires health insurers and state medical assistance program to reimburse for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
IN TODAY!

The bill MUST BE approved in the House Health Care Committee to have a chance to go to the full Oregon House! See yesterday's post for who and how to contact.

--------------------------------
Excellent WA article summing up the situation and the points of view; while from our neighbors to the north, the issues are the same in Oregon.

Popular autism treatment often goes uncovered
By DEBBIE CAFAZZO, The News Tribune
October 12, 2008, updated Nov. 21, 2008

Talking points from the story:

INSURERS: Argue autism treatments aren't really medical, but are more educational and that education is the responsibility of the public schools. Can't cover teachers or paraprofessionals or parents who have training in ABA. Medical and rehabilitation services through licensed providers covered [pediatrician, psychologists, OT, PT, Speech].
[Comments: Autism is a medically defined and diagnosed disorder. The state can, and has in those states that have already passed such mandates, assist in determining competencies of service deliverers, and many of the mandate bills include such provisions, including those who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts , awarded certified status dependent on meeting conditions of required education, practical supervised experience, passage of an examination and ongoing education in applied behavior analysis, The licensed professionals cited by the insurance representatives, while competent in their own subject area, may not have appropriate or specific training in ABA. The services of OT, PT and Speech are necessary as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team, but to deliver behavior analytic treatment, the team must also include behavior analysts to supply competently delivered applied behavior analysis.]


SCHOOLS: Schools can't go it alone. The Federal government does not provide enough funding through IDEA, and local funds are insuffient as well. Children would be unlikely to get intensive 1:1 ABA. Not something one agency is responsible for and needs multiprong approach.
[Comments: IDEA is now and historically underfunded. Local funds have multiple demands, and are not always stable, as well as insufficient. Underproviding therapy by lack of intensity has been shown to undercut effectiveness of therapy, with threshholds where a "little" ABA is not that different from "no" ABA. The schools have a valid point that they are unreasonably expected to deliver behavioral health for a complex medical disorder requiring intensive treatment, without support of the usual medical entitities. ]


FAMILIES : Spending through IRAs, spending through savings, cutting back on personal expenditures, but seeing big benefits of ABA therapy. Sometimes have to stop because they no longer can afford. One spouse has to stop working to take care of the child because professional services not provided. The insurance covered services of OT, PT and speech through licensed providers have per year visit limits, so they have to cut back or suspend treatment when coverage ends until next eligibility period.
[Comments: Families purchase or count on health insurance as part of employment package in anticipation of avoiding financial disaster in the event of a catastrophic medical event. Current situation is that they can have health insurance and STILL have to suffer financial disaster because treatment excluded, or face the frustrating scenario of knowing they will receive less than the recommended hours of therapy because of limits in a quarter or year. Equivalent would be rationing medication for a chronic condition or giving partial treatment, or suspending treatment from time to time for an acute condition--expensive and less effective because insufficient].


SOME POLITICIANS: Schools already have multiple demands and kids can't be left to be cared for by the schools. Mandating coverage treatments and ABA treatment ultimately saves taxpayer dollars because early treatment reduces life risk of being permanently dependent [at higher cost] on the state as adults, and may allow mainstreaming in typical schools by 8 or 9. Saves money in the long run.
[Comments: These politicians are taking the long, and arguably, the correct view on social policy. Access to health care is a social question. From a financial and societal cost view, sufficient expenditure upfront for competent and necessary medical treatment can reduce lifelong cost per child/person by millions of dollars over the lifespan, and at current conservative prevalence of 1/150 this longterm cost will be a potentially frightful public expenditure. One might also argue that it keeps parents in the workforce, reducing their lost revenue, and with better outcomes, the children have higher probability as future taxpayers or at least require reduced public support as adults.]

ACT TODAY to get the Health Care Committee to approve HB 3000!

ACT TODAY
to persuade the House Health Care Committee to vote YES on HB 3000
PLEASE GET CALLS, EMAILS & TESTIMONY IN TODAY, or TOMORROW AT THE LATEST: THE COMMITTEE MEETS FRIDAY 4/24

The following Oregon representatives on the House Health Care Committee have NOT yet indicated their support of HB 3000: Requires health insurers and state medical assistance program to reimburse for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

HB 3000 MUST BE APROVED BY THIS COMMITTEE to make it to the NEXT STEP of being heard on the floor of the Oregon House.

• Please be sure to CALL them, and ask them to vote YES for the bill when it is heard in the work session on Friday, April 24, 3PM, Hearing Room D, State Capitol!
• Follow up phone calls with an email to the members of the committee who have not yet committed to support HB 3000. Use the Subject Line: I support HB 3000
  

Not yet committed to support HB 3000

• Rep. Ron Maurer (R-3-Josephine Co.)-(503) 986-1403
  rep.ronmaurer@state.or.us
• Rep. Scott Bruun (R-37-West Linn) - (503) 986-1437
  rep.scottbruun@state.or.us
• Rep. Jim Thompson (R-23-Dallas+) - (503) 986-1423
  rep.jimthompson@state.or.us
• Rep. Chris Harker (D-34-Washington Co.) - (503) 986-1434
  rep.chrisharker@state.or.us
• Rep. Michael Dembrow (D-45-Portland) - (503) 986-1445
• rep.michaeldembrow@state.or.us

The following representatives HAVE indicated their initial SUPPORT of HB 3000.
Please THANK them for their support and ask for their CONTINUED support with a YES vote on Friday at the work session!

• Rep. Ben Cannon (D-46-Portland) - (503) 986-1446
  rep.bencannon@state.or.us
• Rep. Chris Garrett (D-38-Lake Oswego) - (503) 986-1438
  rep.chrisgarrett@state.or.us
• Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-39-Oregon City+) -(503) 986-1439
  rep.billkennemer@state.or.us
• Rep. Tina Kotek (D-44-NE Portland) - (503) 986-1444
  rep.tinakotek@state.or.us

----------------------
For more information, see the post from April 20!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR ACTION

ACTION ALERT!!: Who's voting YES, and...NO on HB 3000

WE ARE DOWN TO THE WIRE
to persuade the House Health Care Committee to vote YES on HB 3000
PLEASE GET CALLS, EMAILS & TESTIMONY IN : THE COMMITTEE MEETS FRIDAY 4/24

The following Oregon representatives on the House Health Care Committee have NOT yet indicated their support of HB 3000: Requires health insurers and state medical assistance program to reimburse for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

HB 3000 MUST BE APROVED BY THIS COMMITTEE to make it to the NEXT STEP of being heard on the floor of the Oregon House.

• Please be sure to CALL them, and ask them to vote YES for the bill when it is heard in the work session on Friday, April 24, 3PM, Hearing Room D, State Capitol!
• Follow up phone calls with an email to the members of the committee who have not yet committed to support HB 3000.

Not yet committed to support HB 3000

• Rep. Ron Maurer (R-3-Josephine Co.)-(503) 986-1403
  rep.ronmaurer@state.or.us
• Rep. Scott Bruun (R-37-West Linn) - (503) 986-1437
  rep.scottbruun@state.or.us
• Rep. Jim Thompson (R-23-Dallas+) - (503) 986-1423
  rep.jimthompson@state.or.us
• Rep. Chris Harker (D-34-Washington Co.) - (503) 986-1434
  rep.chrisharker@state.or.us
• Rep. Michael Dembrow (D-45-Portland) - (503) 986-1445
• rep.michaeldembrow@state.or.us

The following representatives HAVE indicated their initial SUPPORT of HB 3000.
Please THANK them for their support and ask for their CONTINUED support with a YES vote on Friday at the work session!

• Rep. Ben Cannon (D-46-Portland) - (503) 986-1446
  rep.bencannon@state.or.us
• Rep. Chris Garrett (D-38-Lake Oswego) - (503) 986-1438
  rep.chrisgarrett@state.or.us
• Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-39-Oregon City+) -(503) 986-1439
  rep.billkennemer@state.or.us
• Rep. Tina Kotek (D-44-NE Portland) - (503) 986-1444
  rep.tinakotek@state.or.us

----------------------
Action Alert issued from Autism Speaks

A message from Autism Speaks,
"Dear Oregon Autism Advocate,

As you know HB 3000 has been introduced in the Oregon legislature that if passed will provide autism insurance reform for Oregon's children with autism to cover the treatments and therapies they need and deserve, including ABA therapy.

Now we have to get it through the Health Care Committee and on it's way to the floor so that it can become law!

We need your help to make some noise and let the committee know how very much you want this bill to pass on through the legislative process! They are hearing from the insurance companies...they need to hear from you!

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THE OREGON HOUSE HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE AND ASK THEM TO VOTE YES FOR HB 3000 EVERY DAY UNTIL THE MEETING ON FRIDAY!
The committee will be having a work group session this Friday, April 24, at 3pm. We need you to contact the following people each day between now and then and ask them to vote YES on HB 3000. If they indicate their support then be sure to thank them and ask for their continued support in the commitee. If you are a constituent, be sure to let them know. Keep your conversations short and polite. Then follow up in an email.
NOTE: Calls are way more important than emails. They need to hear your voices!

The following representatives have NOT yet indicated their support of HB 3000. Please be sure to ask them to vote YES for the bill when it is heard in the work session on Friday!
Please call them and follow up with an email EVERY DAY.
Use the Subject Line: I support HB 3000 .

Rep. Ron Maurer (R-3-Josephine Co.)-(503) 986-1403 rep.ronmaurer@state.or.us
Rep. Scott Bruun (R-37-West Linn) - (503) 986-1437 rep.scottbruun@state.or.us
Rep. Jim Thompson (R-23-Dallas+) - (503) 986-1423 rep.jimthompson@state.or.us
Rep. Chris Harker (D-34-Washington Co.) - (503) 986-1434 rep.chrisharker@state.or.us
Rep. Michael Dembrow (D-45-Portland) - (503) 986-1445 rep.michaeldembrow@state.or.us

The following representatives have indicated their initial support of HB 3000. Please THANK them for their support and ask for their continued support with a YES vote on Friday at the work session!
Use the Subject Line: I support HB 3000 .

Rep. Ben Cannon (D-46-Portland) - (503) 986-1446 rep.bencannon@state.or.us
Rep. Chris Garrett (D-38-Lake Oswego) - (503) 986-1438 rep.chrisgarrett@state.or.us
Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-39-Oregon City+) -(503) 986-1439 rep.billkennemer@state.or.us
Rep. Tina Kotek (D-44-NE Portland) - (503) 986-1444 rep.tinakotek@state.or.us

2. ATTEND THE WORK GROUP ON FRIDAY, APRIL 24 AT 3PM.
Hearing Room D, State Capitol, Salem Oregon.

This will not be a hearing and no one's testimony will be heard but we would like parents to pack the room so that they can realize that Oregon citizens have a vested interest in HB 3000 and are watching them cast their vote. Wear Red. Bring signs in support of HB 3000 and pictures of your children.

3. FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN THE STATE OF OREGON!
We need to multiply our grassroots efforts exponentially over the course of the next few days. We need to generate thousands and thousands of calls. Please forward this to anyone who can help make calls to the committee to ask them to vote YES for HB 3000. They do not have to have a child with autism to be supportive!

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT. Please call them and follow up with an email EVERY DAY.
This is very important so that HB 3000 can continue through the legislative process on become a reality.

For more information on HB 3000 visit our website at www.autismvotes.org/oregon !

Happy dialing!

Shelley Hendrix
Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks
------------------------------------

Get testimony in before the 4/24 Committee Meeting!

The next meeting of the House Health Care Committee

currently deliberating on Oregon HB 3000 is

Friday, April 24, 2009, 3:00PM, Rm.HR D, State Capitol!

It is very important to send your testimony to ALL of the members of the House Health Care Committee about HB 3000 BEFORE the meeting, since there is a good chance that the Committee will be bringing the bill to a vote.

Be especially sure to contact the Chairman, Rep. Mitch Greenlick (D-NW Portland) and tell him to vote YES and get this bill out of Committee with a "Do pass" recommendation to the floor of the Oregon House.
See this post for the Committee contact information and what the talking points are.

House Health Care Committee Work Session
April 24, 2009, 3:00PM
Room HR D, Oregon Capitol, Salem, Oregon

Phone for the Committee/Committee Staff: 503-986-1286

Work Session

HB 3000: Requires health insurers and state medical assistance program to reimburse for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
Is second out of three bills being addressed in the work session.

[Blog author correction: 4/20/09 -This is a work session and no spoken testimony will be taken by the Committee during this meeting. Apologies for the previous misstatement implying so. Written testimony is welcome and ENCOURAGED to be submitted to the Committee by email before the meeting. Please send such testimony to ALL the Committee members.]

To view the proceedings by Streaming video (live only and not archived)
To listen by Streaming audio, or to access the Audio Archive of this or other legislative activities
Legislative Audio and Video