SB57 and ELG

SB57

For the past three years, I have helped in the efforts of Utah Autism Coalition to get a bill passed in Utah to mandate health insurers to cover medically necessary therapies and treatments for Autism. Throughout February and the first week or so of March, I had the enormous opportunity to once again do what I could to help get that bill passed. This year I got to attend the capitol during the session to try and speak with legislators and to support SB57. This was finally our year! It was once again a lot of work and because there are so many parents and advocates like me who are willing to put in the time and effort, we finally got the bill passed this year! Senator Shiozawa was the bill's sponsor and just an extraordinary Senator and person. The bill originally would have made insurance coverage available to individuals until they turned 19, but after Senator Shiozawa met with legislators and the insurance companies, they were able to reach an agreement and made coverage available until age 9. I'm sure it was a difficult thing for the Senator to cut out so many in need of autism services, but it guaranteed support from not only the Senate and the House, but from insurance companies as well. To put it simply, it got the insurance lobbyists off our backs and on our side.

The governor signed the bill today and the law will go into effect in 2016. This is such a huge step for Utah and Autism families. But that is just that: a step. The UAC and autism parents won't stop until all our children get the support they need. So Utah will be hearing from us again in 2017 when we come back with data and more determination than ever!

ELG
Dave's company, Expert Lead Generation or ELG, celebrated its 1 year anniversary last month! I have been so proud of Dave and how successful he has been in this new venture. He is currently working with 6 auto insurance agents bringing them leads, and they have been very happy with the services he provides them. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but over all, it's been nice not having to depend on someone else giving us our paycheck and hoping they aren't cheating us. So congratulations Dave on a year of success! You da man!