Her campaign said she would push for behavioral and developmental services for those with autism to be covered by private payers, including nationwide screening, prohibiting mechanical restraints in schools and establishing resources to help transition autistic students out of school-based services, according to the report.
More specifically, her plan addresses the following seven areas to support those with autism.
1. Screening and awareness. As part of her initiative, Ms. Clinton would direct HHS and CMS to provide clear information that marketplace health plans and Medicaid cover early autism screening. She also plans to promote awareness of the importance of screening for autism to further boost screening rates.
2. Treatment and insurance coverage. Ms. Clinton’s plan will push to include coverage of autism services in private payer markets, in addition to improve the services already covered by plans on the health insurance marketplaces. She will also work to ensure state compliance with Medicaid autism coverage requirements and ensure TRICARE provides military families with full access to autism services, according to her campaign website.
3. Safety and services for children with autism. As part of her initiative, she would enact the “Keeping All Students Safe Act,” which bans the use of restraints on autistic students in schools. She will also ensure stronger guidance is available to educators to help protect students with disabilities from bullying.
4. Support for individuals transitioning into adulthood. Ms. Clinton would launch an initiative to help create plans for students to transition out of school-based services and find employment in a timely way through public-private partnerships. Her plan also addresses creating community-based housing programs for individuals with autism to live independently.
5. Caregiving. She also plans to encourage all states to create tax-deferred savings plans for people with disabilities and provide caregiver support through training and scholarships for caregivers and support workers.
6. Research. Ms. Clinton’s plan would increase government funding in autism research and call for the first adult autism prevalence and needs study.
7. Enforcement. Ms. Clinton’s plan includes measures to protect the rights of those with autism, ensure access to mental health services and provide access to reasonable accommodations and supports.
Ms. Clinton has announced similar plans to help address care for those with Alzheimer’s, according to the report.
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