The Assembly passes a different approach to helping autistic children access treatment.
Legislation approved in the Assembly would expand a state waiver program that helps pay for autism treatments. State Representative Scott Newcomer (R-Hartland) says it would help clear the waiting list for the program, which currently has over 300 children on it. He says the Assembly bill would also provide parents with the information they need to help give treatment to autistic children on their own.
The Assembly took up the bill instead of Senate legislation that would have mandated insurance coverage for autism. Representative Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater) says the waiver expansion is only a temporary fix, because it does not provide funding to help additional families who may apply later.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :58)
