PRESS RELEASE

April 2, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lynette Maselli 304.357.7809 Lynette.Maselli@wvsenate.gov

KESSLER COMMENDS SIGNING OF AUTISM INSURANCE CLEAN-UP BILL

Charleston, WV Senate President Jeff Kessler (D Marshall) applauded Governor Tomblin today for signing into law the Autism Insurance Clean-up Bill. House Bill 4260 limits benefit caps to applied behavioral analysis requiring insurance coverage for Autism and pays for the treatment of applied behavioral analysis, the most promising treatment for autistic children. A bill requiring insurance coverage passed the legislature last year but applied caps to autism treatment. HB 4260 allows autistic children access to treatments and therapies necessary to live more productive lives, says Kessler. I applaud Governor Tomblin for his efforts in helping to enable West Virginias children with autism to reach their highest potential. Governor Tomblin signed the bill into law at the Augusta Levy Learning Center in Wheeling. The Augusta Levy Learning Center is the first intensive autism treatment program in the Ohio Valley. The Levy Center aims to enhance the language, social, academic and independent living skills of its students. House Bill 4260 was signed today in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day.

###