Thank you, Governor Brown!

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.  ~Edward Everett Hale

 

Wow! It really happened, and it wouldn't have been possible without the effort of determined individuals who worked diligently to make sure Governor Brown heard the voices of a community!

This weekend the kids of California have won.... and what a victory it is!

SB 946 has passed making California the 28th state to enact autism insurance reform!

"This legislation will provide California people with autism access to behavioral health treatments, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. Let's thank Governor Brown for helping California families and bringing the hard work of the autism community to a successful conclusion." - Autism Speaks

Steinberg Statement on Governor’s Approval of Autism Insurance

Coverage

(Sacramento) –  

Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg issued the following statement on the

Governor signing SB 946, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of behavior therapy for autism spectrum disorder as a medical benefit:

“This is a critical victory for thousands of California children and families. For many of them, having this therapy covered by their insurance is the difference between despair and hope

“The science clearly shows that treating the mind through behavioral therapy is no different than treating a broken arm or a heart condition. I commend the Governor for acknowledging that every child in this state matters, by signing a measure that will literally benefit thousands of kids for generations to come. I would also like to applaud the countless families and advocates who have been working tirelessly on this issue for many years. And as our state’s fiscal health improves, I will keep working to ensure that when it comes to autism treatment, every child, every young adult, and every family in California has affordable access to this therapy.”

To send Governor Brown a message of thanks please visit the Autism Speaks website.

You can also find more information on the passing of SB 946 by clicking here.

Thank you to all our staff, families, and supporters who did their part! Each and every one of you who called, emailed, wrote letters, and posted on Facebook helped make this happen.

What a great way to start the week!

Mr. Brown Can Mooooove SB 946 Into Law .... Can you??

We have to keep the pressure up, but we have something fun for you to do today!

Pictures are worth 1,000 words so spread this one around on your favorite form of Social Media. Ask your friends and family to help you call Governor Brown to MOOOOOOVE SB 946 into Law!

1) POST THE PICTURE ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE WITH THIS ABOVE IT:
Gov. Brown Can Mooooove SB 946 Into Law - Can You?
Call GOVERNOR BROWN AT 916.445.2841      
Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish. Then press 2 to leave a message or, even better if you can wait on the line (may take 5 min.), press 6 to speak with a live person. They are counting them one by one so don't just like this picture! MAKE THE CALL!

**TIP** Stay in dialogue with friends on your page. If they are frustrated trying to connect due to call volume, upload the Action Link: www.autismvotes.org/MoveSB946 in the thread.  They can email while they are trying to get through!

2) EMAIL HIM (YES AGAIN!) Follow up your call here with a quick email to ask him to MOVE THIS BILL! We get you started here, personalize your message. If you sent an email yesterday, change it up, but send another one NOW!

3) ACTIVATE!  See how many of your friends you can get involved today! Have fun! Change your profile picture & visit Governor Brown's Facebook Page again to ask him to MOOOOOVE SB 946 into law!

To learn more about this legislation, please visit the California page on the Autism Votes website at: www.autismvotes.org/California.

Have fun! Work hard - so we can all celebrate on Sunday!

Thanks!

VERY IMPORTANT! Please Rally Together!

Hi All,
If you read our recent post about SB 946, you know that the bill that will mandate insurance companies to cover ABA is currently "sitting" on Governor Brown's desk. If you haven't read it yet, please scroll down and take a moment to educate yourself on what the bill entails and how IMPORTANT it is.
Did you read it? Great.... so we have more news!

Here is what we just found out....

A representative at CalABA is reaching out to the community to let us know that there has been an influx of communication to the Governor OPPOSING the bill (i.e. people who don't want insurance to cover ABA). This is BAD.
Please take the time to educate yourself on the bill, contact Governor Brown's office, and inform anyone you know who may be affected by SB 946, and explain to them that it is important for ABA to be covered by insurance. This will open up ABA services to more families affected by autism.

What we can ALL do:

Please start writing/faxing the Governor letters/notes/stories to explain why you are in support of SB 946.
We know it's extra work but HANDWRITTEN letters often make more impact as the political powers take them more seriously.

The more voices that can be heard the better! 

Contact info for the Governor:

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

"Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead

Important Information: Let Our Voices Be Heard!

Do you receive ABA services? Whether from In Stepps or elsewhere.... please read this information carefully, as it affects us all. Let's all do our part to get this passed!

Update:
The California legislature passed autism insurance reform! The bill (SB 946) passed through both the Assembly & Senate on Friday, the last day of the session. We still have to obtain Governor Brown's signature before October 9th!

Click this link for more information: Autism Speaks Hails California Legislature for Final Passage of Autism Insurance Bill, Urges Gov. Brown to Sign SB 946 into Law

Here's a direct link to Governor Brown's email. Please click on this link and encourage him to vote "yes" on SB946 today!

What is SB 946?
Read the bill in it's entirety here.

SB 946 authored by Darrel Steinberg, Senate Pro Tem which was heard in the Assembly Health Committee.  IF SB 946 is passed by both the Assembly and the Senate – and signed by Governor Brown – it will significantly improve access to ABA treatment provided by qualified professionals.

Here are the facts:

1.     SB 946 (Steinberg) is a health plan coverage mandate for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.  It will mandate coverage of ABA services by Board Certified Behavior Analysts beginning July 1, 2012.  Click here to read SB 946.
2.     It is THE health plan coverage mandate for behavioral health treatments for Californians with autism spectrum disorders (replaces SB 770, AB 161, AB 171).
3.     It differs from the settlements DMHC reached with Blue Cross and Blue Shield this summer because (a) it mandates behavioral health treatment for all health plans (not just ones involved in settlements) and it names BCBAs as providers. This means that BCBAs would be deemed qualified to supervise treatment plans.   

What you need to do TODAY:
1.) Call, email, or fax Governor Brown and ask him to vote “yes” on SB 946.
2.) Alert 5 colleagues, consumers, families and other concerned individuals to the important action taking place.  

WE NEED EVERYONE TO TAKE ACTION.  DON’T ASSUME THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL DO IT.
  
Got an extra minute? Thank Senator Steinberg for his leadership in authoring SB 946. Fax:  (916) 323-2263 Phone:  (916) 651-4006

Questions?  Contact CalABA at info@calaba.org

Click here to stay informed!