Autism, diabetes bills pass in Ohio House, could have trouble in Senate

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By William Hershey, Staff Writer Updated 8:35 AM Wednesday, December 9, 2009

COLUMBUS — After Jeff Compton was diagnosed with autism in 2001, parents Butch Compton and Mindy Poist spent more than $40,000 getting him the treatment he needed, treatment not covered by their health insurance, Poist said.

Poist dissolved her IRA and friends of the couple put second mortgages on their houses to come up with the money, Poist said Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Poist, of Dayton, spoke by phone just hours after the Ohio House voted 57-39 for House Bill 8, which would prohibit health insurers from excluding coverage for specified autism services for individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The House also approved, 58-38, House Bill 81, that would require insurance coverage be provided for diabetes equipment, supplies, medication, medical nutritional therapy and self-management education.

Backers of both bills said they are overdue to provide fairness to Ohioans diagnosed with diabetes and autism and to save parents such as Poist and Compton from nearly unmanageable expenses.

“Today we have an opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of families and children,” Rep. Ted Celeste, D-Grandview Heights, sponsor of the autism bill, said.

Opponents say both bills would create unaffordable costs for small businesses that already are struggling.

Rep. Jeff Wagner, R-Sycamore, said his amendment to prohibit insurers from denying coverage for any medical reason was proposed “tongue-in-cheek.”

“If we’re going to drive the insurance industry out of Ohio, why do it an inch at a time?” said Sycamore. The House tabled his amendment.

Both bills now go to the Senate where passage is uncertain. Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, “continues to have concerns about insurance mandates for small businesses,” said Maggie Ostrowski, Harris’ spokeswoman.

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