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Politics: Autism coverage bill moves forward
Autism coverage bill moves forward
Legislation to mandate insurance coverage for treatment of autism spectrum disorders progressed last week after a state committee voted 6 to 4 for its approval.
If the General Assembly approves the bill during its 2009 session, Virginia for the first time will mandate that coverage for autism treatments be included in all group health insurance policies that serve more than 25 people, said Del. Robert Marshall (R-eastern Loudoun).
“I believe that many lives will be saved and futures will be preserved because of the passage of this legislation,” Marshall said. “I have heard the heart-wrenching stories of so many families around Virginia affected by autism, and I am so glad to be able to help those families.”
House Bill 1588 will need to gain majority support in the General Assembly's House of Representatives and Senate before it reaches the governor's desk for the final sign-off.
The General Assembly meets in Richmond in January.
More politics
Ask the governor
On Nov. 25, Gov. Tim Kaine (D ) will be a guest on “Ask the Governor,” a monthly call-in program on radio station WTOP.
The program begins at 10 a.m. WTOP broadcasts on stations 103.5, 107.7 and 103.9 FM in the Washington, D.C., metro area or online at http://www.wtop.com.
Winter heating assistance
The deadline to apply for the state's fuel assistance program to help households meet rising energy costs is extended to Dec. 1.
The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program block grant funds the commonwealth’s Energy Assistance Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Gov. Tim Kaine announced the application extension last week. The previous deadline was Nov. 14. He said this would allow more time for lower-income households and members of at-risk groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, to apply for fuel assistance.
To qualify, a one-person household’s maximum gross monthly income cannot exceed $1,127. For a household of four, the maximum gross monthly income level is $2,297. Applicants must apply through their local department of social services. Last year, Virginia served more than 108,000 households.
For more information on the Energy Assistance Program, visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/index.html.
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