Recently there has been ample information in the news regarding insurance coverage for children with autism. The measure being considered is called 'Nick’s Law.' I have been spending time reflecting about this issue, not only as a parent of a child with autism; but as a taxpayer and Oklahoma resident.  

First I have to pull my emotions out of the issue and look at the facts. What are the simple facts?  

1. The Senate has passed a version of Nick’s Law four times this year. As a voter, I think that is impressive.  

2. The House Speaker, Chris Benge, in an interview for the Tulsa World newspaper recognized that the measure is “very difficult and very emotional” but that mandating coverage would increase costs and make insurance less affordable. I completely agree with that statement.  He’s right.

3. I know from my personal experiences that the costs of autism coverage for children already fall on the taxpayers through public school special education law (IDEA 2004). Just look at what is going on in the Cashion school district for example. Go ask any Special Education Director in our state about the costs of autism related services on the entire district.  

4. I also agree that there is also a social and economic cost to the state for productive parents and grandparents, who are forced to drop out of the workforce, liquidate their retirement accounts and in many cases become totally dependent on the state taxpayers for retirement years, supplemental income and Medicaid services.

OK. So, what is the right thing to do after looking at all the facts?

This week I watched the CBS morning team in Greensburg, KS film a community working together after a horrific tornado destroyed their town just one year ago. They have been supporting each other and working together to rebuild a community that was wiped off the map by Mother Nature’s wrath. They didn’t run from the challenge. They didn’t flinch at the sacrifices that they had to make in order to support their neighbors. They just did it with unconditional love for each other. That’s the way it’s supposed to be!

I believe that our House representatives have the right to vote on this issue. I believe that if Nick’s Law passes and mandates autism coverage that Oklahoman’s will have a small sacrifice financially for more expensive insurance coverage. I also believe it is the right thing to do in unconditional love for our Oklahoma children who have autism. I’m willing to make the financial sacrifice for my neighbor…are you?

Traci Castles, Coordinator
Family Voices in Oklahoma
www.okvoices.org