Health Law

Illinois Legislation Targets Disability Treatment & Therapy

If passed, pending legislation in Illinois will require insurance companies to cover treatment costs for children with cerebral palsy, autism and other physical disabilities. The new governor has not said whether he will approve the bill, which could affect tens of thousands of children across the state.

Insurance companies currently deny what they consider “habilitative” treatment, or treatment intended to help children develop new skills or ones they haven’t mastered. Without insurance coverage, many parents are unable to afford therapies that could improve their child’s life.

“It’s an important bill for families with kids that need this therapy,” said Senator Maggie Crotty, one of the sponsors of the bill.

 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on February 10, 2009 (boomark / email).