As a mom with autistic children, Bea Judah has the misfortune of living in Kansas.
Treating autism is pricey, maybe as much as $40,000 to $60,000 a year. But living in Kansas means the Judahs, like thousands of others, are on their own.
Parents with health insurance are learning that coverage is not always available or adequate for treating autism, a developmental brain disorder that affects a persons ability to communicate and interact with others.
Judah was one of those parents. After their oldest daughter, Claire, was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old, the Judahs were given a list of places where she could get treatment.
The catch: None of the treatments were covered by insurance.
What were we supposed to do? Judah asked. We couldnt afford any of that.
The Judahs are at the center of a debate thats unfolding in Kansas and across the country as more states pass laws requiring insurance coverage for autism treatment.
Kansas is among 17 states that dont broadly mandate autism treatment coverage, although Kansas did agree to a test program in 2010. Missouri passed a law requiring autism coverage in 2010.
The Legislature has tried unsuccessfully in recent years to require autism coverage. Some legislators think it has a better chance next year.
Insurance coverage is out there, depending on the employer and insurance carrier. But Kansas parents find there are coverage gaps that leave them scraping for dollars.
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Kansas parents press for autism insurance