Rep. Chuck Sims Supports Autism Insurance Reform Bill

ATLANTA— State Representative Chuck Sims (R-Ambrose) recently announced his support for “Ava’s Law,” an autism insurance reform bill that will be taken up again in the upcoming 2014 legislative session. House Bill 309, otherwise known as “Ava’s Law,” was first introduced by Rep. Ben Harbin (R-Evans) in the 2013 legislative session.

“I fully support my colleague in his efforts to push for the passage of this bill in 2014,” said Rep. Sims. “I believe that this therapy is important and families that have children with autism should not have to forego treatment options due to insurance restrictions.”

Representative Sims announced that he is in favor of this legislation following a meeting by the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits in which Rep. Harbin vowed to pursue the passage HB 309. If passed, Ava’s Law would require insurance companies to pay for “evidence-driven treatment,” or treatment that has been scientifically shown to help kids with an autism spectrum disorder. Georgia is one of only 16 states that do not require insurers to pay for autism treatment.

The bill is named after Ava Bullard, whose mother Anna Bullard of Lyons, Georgia, has helped rally Georgia families behind the legislation.

The Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits was created by Senate Bill 17 which was passed in 2011. The commission is charged with conducting a “cost-benefit” review of several bills before the Legislature, including Ava’s Law. The commission members were appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston.

For more information about HB 309, please click here.

Representative Chuck Sims represents the citizens of District 169, which includes Bacon County and portions of Coffee and Jeff Davis counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, currently serves as the Chairman on the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee. He also serves on the Higher Education, State Planning & Community Affairs, and Ways & Means committees.

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