I knew I needed to fix the blog! I need to abuse my friendships!!

I know I ask a lot of people... and generally those I don't ask, I just bully. Please don't make me bully you. There just isn't time! Here is an email from the Utah Autism Coalition requesting our help.

Urgent Action - please contact legislators below!


Several weeks ago the Health and Human Services interim committee reviewed the autism medicaid waiver report assembled by an appointed group, per H.B. 184, of which I'm a member. However, they delayed further discussion and recommendations until this Wednesday, Nov. 17th. We hope that the committee will make a decision at this time to either appropriate funds toward the application of the waiver, or suggest we pursue further legislation.

Please take a few minutes to contact some or all of the legislators listed below. Those who need to hear from you the most are bolded and listed first. Your email can be as simple as this:

Subject: H.B. 184 - please read before Wed. Nov. 17th

Dear __________,

As (a parent of a child with) autism, I urge you to appropriate funds toward an autism medicaid waiver in your upcoming meeting, Wednesday, November 17th to provide much needed relief to families affected by autism.

(Include BRIEF personal note here)

Sincerely,

____________

As always, please remember to be polite and courteous when corresponding with your legislators.

For additional details and information, please refer to the meeting agenda.

Thanks for your much needed support!

Best,

Leeann Whiffen
President & Co-Founder
Utah Autism Coalition

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Here is a list of the committee members:

Rep. Paul Ray, Chair
email
Phone: 801-538-1029

Sen. D. Chris Buttars, Co Chair
email
Phone: 801-538-1035

Sen. J. Stuart Adams
email
Phone: 801-538-1035

Sen. Allen M. Christensen
email
Phone: 801-538-1035

Rep. Bradley M. Daw
email
Phone: 801-538-1029

Rep. Stephen E. Sandstrom
email
Phone: 801-538-1029

Rep. Dean Sanpei
email
Phone: 801-374-8995

Rep. Evan J. Vickers
email
Phone: 801-538-1029

Sen. David P. Hinkins
email
Phone: 801-538-1035

Rep. Kay L. McIff
email
Phone: 801-538-1029

Rep. Eric K. Hutchings
Sen. Patricia W. Jones
Rep. Tim M. Cosgrove
Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove
Rep. Phil Riesen
Sen. Luz Robles
Rep. Trisha S. Beck
Rep. Joel K. Briscoe

For those of you questioning this waiver, I unfortunately don't have many details right now. As it is in committee, they have yet to decide if it will be a total waiver where anyone with a diagnosis will be able to have Medicaid eligible services as prescribed by a doctor or if they will only allow certain needs based services - or if there will be copays and deductibles. As a parent to a fantabulous and amazing boy child, I can honestly say THEY NEED THIS!!! I would LOVE it if my insurance helped to cover the cost of speech and social therapy, but they do not. This is the closest we are going to get right now- and I would happily pay a premuim, copay and coinsurance at every visit - even with Medicaid. Please understand we are NOT asking for a handout with this waiver, we are simply asking for help where our insurance falls short. If you have any questions, Please email me!!!

2000 what?

Yes - so I clearly have not posted in.... hmm. And I have forgotten how to change the background business. poop. I will call Cassie, she was supposed to call me back and hasn't. So as punishment, she will have to fix the blog. Sad for her - Happy for me :)