Oregon renews autism insurance law

Oregon’s Autism Health Insurance Reform law, which Autism Speaks helped pass in 2013, was set to expire on January 2, 2022. Thanks to the quick action of many grassroots advocates, a version of Oregon Senate Bill 358A has passed the state legislature and currently awaits the signature of Governor Brown. This legislation extends coverage for autism through January 2, 2030.

This bill reauthorizes Oregon's Autism Health Insurance Reform law, which specifies the requirements and processes for health insurance coverage of medically necessary care for treatment of symptoms associated with autism. This includes applied behavior analysis (ABA) and any other mental health or medical services identified in the patient’s treatment plan. 

Special thanks goes to Senator Deb Patterson and Representative Dan Rayfield who helped shepherd the bill through the legislative process. Through legislation like this, we have made enormous strides in equitable access to care and a huge difference in the lives of thousands of autistic people and their families in Oregon.