Joint Insurance & Financial Services Committee

Dear Maine Autism Advocate,

Last year, with your advocacy, the Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee sent LD 1198 (the autism insurance reform bill) for study by the Maine Bureau of Insurance. LD 1198 would require private group health insurance to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. The report has been finalized, so now the Insurance and Financial Services Committee will conduct a work group this Tuesday, January 12th in room 427 of the State House to determine the future of LD 1198.




Here is How YOU Can Help:

1. TAKE ACTION TODAY! CONTACT the Members of the Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee and ask them to vote “yes” on LD 1198.

> CLICK to send an email to the Committee members!

> CALL the following Committee members:

Sen Peter Bowman (D-York) - (207) 287-1515
Sen Justin Alfond (D-Cumberland) - (207) 232-4187
Sen Earle McCormick (R-Kennebec) - (207) 287-1505
Rep Sharon Anglin Treat (D-Hallowell) - (207) 287-1400
Rep Charles Priest (D-Brunswick) - (207) 725-5439
Rep Paulette Beaudoin (D-Biddeford) - (207) 284-6324
Rep Henry Beck (D-Waterville) - (207) 837-4343
Rep Adam Goode (D-Bangor) - (207) 991-7000
Rep Edward Legg (D-Kennebunk) - (207) 967-8543
Rep Terry Morrison (D-South Portland) - (207) 831-0828
Rep Wesley Richardson (R-Warren) - (207) 273-3572
Rep Windol Weaver (R-York) - (207) 363-4641
Rep Les Fossel (R-Alna) - (207) 586-5690

Talking points: It is critical that the members the committee receive the following message over the next few days.

Autism is a treatable, medical condition.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance estimates a scant 0.50% premium increase.
Most important, LD 1198 is a tremendous cost saving tool in these difficult economic times, with potential immediate cost savings to the state of $1 million to the MaineCare system.
2. Forward this e-mail to everyone you know in Maine! Friends, neighbors and family are always looking for ways to provide support to those facing the challenges of autism. This is a simple way and extremely effective way to help. The more Maine constituents the committee hears from, the stronger our message becomes.

3. Stay up to date by registering to receive email advocacy alerts at www.autismvotes.org/maine.




Next Tuesday will be a critical day in the effort to bring autism insurance reform to Maine. Please do all you can over the next few days to help send a strong clear message to your legislators. Here’s to a better quality of life for all those dealing with the challenges of autism in Maine!

Warm regards,

Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks




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