With the recent passage of Act 62 last summer in Pennsylvania, many parents hoped to see improvement in the insurance process. Parents like Karen Misher have not yet seen those promises of help come to fruition.

Missouri Govenor Jay Nixon wants insurance companies to step up to the plate and start covering medically necessary, evidence based therapies such as Applied Behavioral Analysis therapies and others that have been proven to help improve the symptoms of autism. Many states have failed to support this bowing to lobbyists that tout rising insurance rates.

On June 17th a ruling was reached in Michigan. Blue Cross/Blue Shield has agreed to reimburse at least 100 families for expenses incurred for the treatments of their children with autism.

Parents and families are on the Capitol steps today letting their voices be heard. They are showing up in numbers to show lawmakers that they are in need of the services that the state currently provides. The services for early intervention and special needs are facing proposed budget cuts

Citing the bad economy and undue stress placed on insurance companies, Virginia lawmakers denied the bill for insurance mandates covering costs associated with autism.

Supporters for Assembly Bill 162 turned out in big numbers yesterday. Nevada is one of the many states considering mandating insurance coverage for those affected by autism. As one supporter put it, Nevada will be hit by an "Autism Tsunami" if they choose to defeat the bill, forcing higher costs for adult care later. Opponents to the bill also turned out and noted that while a worthwhile cause, the timing because of the current economy is poor.

Advocates for autism, including parents and lawmakers are pushing for the State of Maryland to include coverage for autism services from insurance companies.

Parents, teachers, and medical professionals came together in front of a Missouri Senate Committee yesterday to plead for assistance. All are part of an effort to get Senate Bill 167 passed, bringing much needed financial help to the thousands of families across the state.

Autism as we all know can be incredibly expensive. Insurance companies have proven to be less than cooperative in many instances when parents attempt to have therapies covered and paid for. Here are some tips that one parent came up with to help with the maze of insurance, red tape, and denials.

Another state is looking to aid our autism families. Montana's Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee successfully passed out Senate Bill 234 and sent to the Senate floor for debate.