Date: July 25, 2005 PLYMOUTH - State Representatives Thomas J. O’Brien (D-Kingston) and Viriato M. deMacedo (R-Plymouth) announced today that The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed House Bill 4177- An Act to Maximize Federal Reimbursement for Special Education Services for Children with Autism. House Bill 4177 must now be engrossed in the Senate.

“Each day 66 children are diagnosed with autism and this legislation will help us better serve the children and families of children who endure the costs of critical services that are essential for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Rep. O’Brien. “The Commonwealth will now be able to seek $8 million in matching funds from the federal government to help offset the current $16 million dollars in expenditures for critical services”

This legislation directs the Commonwealth to apply for a Medicaid waiver to maximize federal reimbursement for critical services. With this wavier the Commonwealth can receive a 50% reimbursement for the cost of services for children with autism. Currently 100% of the costs incurred through intensive in-home care from school districts or the state are covered. Autism affects 1 in 166 children and has become the most widely diagnosed developmental disability. Increasing ten-fold over the past 20 years, autism is more common than childhood cancers, muscular dystrophy, juvenile diabetes and cystic fibrosis combined.

“House Bill 4177 is an important piece of legislation that will play a critical role in helping children with Autism,” said Representative deMacedo. “The House of Representatives remains committed to improving the educational resources that are available for autistic children, so they can continue to grow and learn.”