Tuscaloosa Autism Advocate Seeks Insurance Coverage Reform

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A local autism advocate has announced plans to call for the City of Tuscaloosa to reform its health insurance policy to be more inclusive for those with autism spectrum disorder.

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Elizabeth Hinson, the wife of a Tuscaloosa firefighter and the mother of autistic twin girls, is heading up the push and said she will be joined by medical professionals during Tuesday night's regular City Council meeting to speak on the issue.

Hinson's primary concern is that while the City of Tuscaloosa recognizes April as Autism Awareness month, the city doesn't actually cover the treatment of autism for its employees.

The National Institute of Mental Health defines autism spectrum disorder as "a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. "

She then cited Tuscaloosa's reported exemption to The Riley Ward Autism Insurance Reform Act, which requires most insurance providers to offer applied behavior analysis (ABA) coverage plans.

"I have connected with other autism families who have been asking the city to amend their policy to cover speech, occupational and ABA therapy for years with no success," Hinson said in a statement on Monday. "This Tuesday night, we are inviting the community to join us at the city council meeting wearing blue to urge city officials to reform their health insurance policy to be more inclusive for all. Medical professionals and I will speak to the importance of autism coverage."

In response to the news of those preparing to speak out on the policy, City of Tuscaloosa Human Resources Department Head LaShonda Kemp told Patch that city officials plan to study up on the issue before moving forward.

“As we strive to ensure that our employees and their dependents have access to the highest level of coverage, the City evaluates the benefits offered to employees annually," she said. "The City Council has requested detailed information, and is currently exploring options.”

The next regular meeting of the Tuscaloosa City Council is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 28 in the council chambers at Tuscaloosa City Hall.

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