2012 State Autism Profiles
LOUISIANA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 973 or 0.92% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Louisiana have autism. In 2010-2011, 3,517 or 4.85% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Louisiana for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
121 |
422 |
| Age 6-11 |
498 |
1,671 |
| Age 12-17 |
290 |
1,139 |
| Age 18-21 |
64 |
285 |
| Age 6-21 |
852 |
3,095 |
| Age 3-21 |
973 |
3,517 |
Source: Reported by the State of Louisiana in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Table 1-2: IDEA Part B - Children with Disabilities in Louisiana for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
11,775 |
10,427 |
| Age 6-11 |
51,189 |
35,926 |
| Age 12-17 |
39,497 |
32,122 |
| Age 18-21 |
3,461 |
4,468 |
| Age 6-21 |
94,147 |
72,516 |
| Age 3-21 |
105,922 |
82,943 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Legislation (HCR 69 urged the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to establish a joint committee to study and make recommendations with respect to autism spectrum disorders including home and community based support services, training, consideration of an autism waiver, early screening, diagnosis and prevention, and other related areas of interest.
http://www.laddc.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ocdd-january-2009.pdf
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
H.B. 958 was introduced to require a specific mandate for health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in individuals under the age of 17. Covered services include habilitative or rehabilitative care; pharmacy; psychiatric and psychological care, and therapeutic care, including applied behavior analysis. Individual and group plans of fifty employees or less are exempted. Benefits are subject to a maximum of $36,000 per year and a lifetime benefit of $144,000 per year. The legislation passed the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal on July 1, 2008.
On June 28, 2012, Gov. Bobby Jindal signed H.B. 771 to expand Louisiana’s autism insurance reform law. The cap was raised to 21 years of age, and the $144,000 cap on lifetime benefits was removed. Also, families paying expensive insurance premiums can start continuing coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder for children ages 16-20, beginning in 2013.
OTHER STATE FUNDING
In April 2009, Rep. Patrick Williams introduced H.B. 516 to establish the Centerof Excellencefor Autism Spectrum Disorder Fund and the Walking the Walk for Our Kids Fund in the state treasury. The former would be used to establish and operate a center of excellence for autism spectrum disorders. The latter would treat and prevent childhood obesity. The bill was passed by the Senate and the House but was vetoed by the governor on July 7, 2009 on the grounds that these funds were contingent upon the passage of legislation that had failed.
MEDICAID
Louisiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: LA New Opportunities Waiver
Implemented on July 1, 2011 this waiver helps people ages 3 and above with developmental disabilities, including autism, who meet the ICF/MR level of care to remain living at home and in their community. Services provided include: center-based respite, day habilitation, employment related training, supported employment, supported living, skilled nursing, specialized medical equipment and supplies, community integration and development, environmental accessibility adaptations, individual and family support, one-time transitional, PERS, professional services, and substitute family care. This waiver expires on June 30, 2016.
Louisiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: LA Supports Waiver
This waiver, implemented on July 1, 2009, provides day habilitation, habilitation, prevocational services, respite, support coordination, supported employment, and PERS for individuals 18 and older with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on June 30, 2014.
Louisiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: LA Children's Choice
This waiver, implemented on February 21, 2009, provides center-based respite care, support coordination, environmental accessibility adaptations, family support service, and family training for individuals up to age 18 with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on February 20, 2014.
Louisiana Home and Community-Based Services Waiver: LA Supports Waiver
This waiver, implemented on July 1, 2009, provides day habilitation, habilitation, prevocational services, respite, support coordination, supported employment, and PERS for individuals 18 and older with autism, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. This waiver expires on June 30, 2014.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/Waivers.html
EDUCATION
Under the leadership of the Louisiana State Department of Education, the State Autism Team was convened in December 2007 with an over-riding mission to guide the state so it can meet the educational needs of students with autism spectrum disorders.
http://www.louisianaschools.net/divisions/specialp/autism.html
H.B. 670 was introduced for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to manage services for individuals with autism and to establish a center of excellence for autism spectrum disorder within the Louisiana Office for Citizens with Disabilities and operated by the Louisiana Department of Education and related agencies, such as Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. The center will support services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and provide training to educators of individuals with autism. Services include early diagnosis and intervention, and education. The legislation was signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal on June 12, 2008.
http://www.lawserver.com/law/state/louisiana/la-laws/louisiana_revised_statutes_46-1301
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Louisiana State Legislature meets in regular session annually on the last Monday in March in even-numbered years and on the last Monday in April in odd-numbered years. The 2012 Session convened on March 12, 2012 and adjourned on June 4, 2012. The 2013 session will convene on April 8, 2013 and will adjourn no later than June 6, 2013.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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