Health Businesses say theyll keep pledge to help fund part of a 2-year pilot program.
The million-dollar donation for autism treatment pledged by insurance companies and other private businesses still hasnt shown up in Utahs coffers, something mom Christine Passey isnt surprised to hear.
"The problem isnt imminent for them," said the Sugar House mother. "There isnt a piece of legislation in front of them that is going to force them to cover kids with autism right this minute."
Autism in Utah
But getting help for her 4-year-old autistic daughter is urgent, so the family has started paying about $800 per week for therapy. They wish they could do more.
"Its brutal," Passey said. "But we cant wait she needs it now."
Though Utah has yet to join the several dozen states mandating insurance coverage of autism treatment, legislators created an autism-treatment pilot program earlier this year that was expected to be voluntarily funded, in part, with private dollars. The two-year pilot was seen by many as a compromise, providing treatment for about 350 children between the ages of 2 and 6, through a combination of Medicaid, state and private dollars.
House Speaker Becky Lockhart said Wednesday that "no one has reneged on the commitment" and that the donations would be divulged in a future news conference. Rep. Ronda Menlove, R-Garland, who sponsored the bill to create the pilot, could not be reached for comment. Two of the funders, including Zions Bank, said their pledges remained good.
"Were still committed to providing funding for that and will do so at the appropriate time, when thats indicated by the state," said Daron Cowley, a spokesman for Intermountain Healthcare.