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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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Thx for your excellent article. Very informative. Also, I wanted to possible help some people out there by letting them
know about a site that few people know about, but can help greatly in paying less for all
their medications, diabetes included. The site is www.medpap.ws and tho it's "free," the "catch" is that they want you in their store hoping you will impulse shop and pick up other items while you are there. Show self discipline and u'll be fine.

Robin
10:52 PM, 12/9/2009

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Its about time. My son has Juvenile Diabetes and unlike some diseases, is not preventable, people who complain have zero answers to the problem. Amelia you are incorrect this is only a referral scam and No you cannot get instant coverage.

tom
11:01 AM, 12/9/2009

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They are concerned about the affects this bill will have on small business! Well, just wait until the Obama health care plan hits small business. They will all be closing their doors.
HELLO! IS ANYBODY HOME?

Concerned Citizen
1:10 AM, 12/9/2009

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