URGENT-IT'S CRUNCH TIME

Dear Members:

This Friday, Assembly Bill 162 is slated to be discussed in the Senate. It has already passed the House and WILL pass unless we take action. The hearing will be simulcast at the Grant Sawyer Building at 555 E. Washington Ave. at 1:30pm. I am asking EVERY member to contact their legislator and also contact EVERY client to have them do the same and voice your opposition to this discriminatory bill. Better yet, if you or your clients can attend the hearing that's even better.

Autism is a public policy issue and should be treated as such. AB162 puts the sole burden on individuals, small businesses and fully-insured plans. It EXEMPTS Unions, State employees, Self-funded (read: Casinos), SCHIP and Medicaid from having to provide coverage. Rates are estimated to go up $30 a head for those affected; small businesses who hire a parent with an autistic child will be forced to drop their plans when their experience rating hits the maximum upon renewal. Autism costs $50,000 a year to treat and doesn't discriminate. ANYONE can have an autistic child, so EVERYONE should be a part of the solution. You can find your legislator by clicking here: http://mapserve.leg.state.nv.us/website/lcb/viewer.htm

You can voice your opposition by clicking here: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/75th2009/opinions/vwComments.cfm

and go to SUBMIT AN OPINION, Scroll down the drop box marked Select Bill and go to AB162 (be sure it is AB and not SB), then click on Against and fill in the Comments box asking your legislator to vote NO. Be sure to hit 'Submit' when done.

There is strength in numbers, and we need large numbers of individuals to oppose this bill or it WILL pass.

Thank you.

Dan M. Heffley
Leg Chair