Autism Bill Signed

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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: May 5, 2009 at 6:57 PM MDT

Story Updated: May 6, 2009 at 7:05 AM MDT

BILLINGS - Montana is now the 10th state in the nation to require insurance companies to pay for autism care. Governor Brian Schweitzer signed the bill into law Tuesday in Billings.

Laura Simonsen lead the charge to get the bill passed. Her own son, Brandon, is the namesake of "Brandon's Bill." He's been getting treatments for most of his life. "We've been paying for it out of pocket," Simonsen said.

At $20,000-to-$50,000 dollars a year, therapy can get expensive. Insurance companies were not required to pay for the treatments they deemed experimental despite 40 years of research. "Imagine knowing there's a therapy to help your child and you can't afford it," Simonsen said. No Montana residents will need to go through that again. On Tuesday Schweitzer signed Brandon's Bill into law.

"It gives every family with a child with autism hope," he said. It's something the governor identifies with personally, having raised a son with autism. "With an autistic child there's highs and lows," he said. "You laugh and cry and pray all in a few minutes. We pray everyday that our child with autism can live as normal a life as possible."

The Governor also signed a bill broadening standards for HIV testing and another bill requiring loads be tied down on state roads.

Tuesday, May 19 at 10:05 PM MARGARITA NEVEL wrote ...

I have 7 a great grandson who is Autistic, it is very important for every citizen to take responsibility on this devastating issue to provide quality life to all children in our country, specially those with special needs.

Friday, May 15 at 10:53 AM catherine miller wrote ...

my son has autism. iam trying everything to get help in ohio. there needs to be a better way.

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