By Bob Katzen
The Senate approved and sent to the House legislation that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of Down syndrome through speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavior analysis services.
“Every child deserves a fair shot at learning, growing and thriving in their community—and that includes children with Down syndrome,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown). “Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy has proven transformative for so many, yet too often, access to this essential support is out of reach for those who need it most. By ensuring insurance coverage for at-home ABA therapy, this legislation will make a powerful difference for families across the commonwealth, lifting a burden that has existed for too long. It’s about time we make this gold-standard care accessible to all, so every child has the chance to realize their fullest potential.”
An estimated 5,000 people in Massachusetts live with Down syndrome. According to studies performed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, speech therapy intervention improved decoding skills for word reading and had a positive impact on articulation in children with Down syndrome.