tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83013263816196508442011-11-27T19:00:10.171-06:00Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.comBlogger3591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-8322170133244032912011-03-16T10:32:00.002-05:002011-03-16T10:36:10.749-05:00

BY ARNOLD HAMILTON...So let's get this straight: The Republican-majority Oklahoma Legislature is seriously discussing a bill that could make it more difficult for regular folk to circulate initiative petitions and get them on the ballot?The same Oklahoma Legislature that itself placed 10 of 11 referenda on last year's ballot -- most wedge issues designed to ignite turnout among constituencies

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-45426258303699368062011-03-11T12:47:00.003-06:002011-03-11T12:59:04.444-06:00

COMMENTARYThe City SentinelBy Wayne RohdeMarch 10th, 2011As the Oklahoma Legislature closes out the first month of this new session, I am concerned that Oklahoma is missing out on a great opportunity to say to the world, to say to this nation, that we rise above politics, we rise above the rhetoric that divides us on some many levels, and tend to the needs of those in our society are the most

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-36176043035339142842011-03-09T07:31:00.000-06:002011-03-09T07:33:23.302-06:00

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Gov. Mike Beebe will sign into law a bill requiring insurance companies to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. There is new support for autistic children in Arkansas. Tuesday, Governor Mike Beebe signed an autism bill into law. It requires most health insurance companies to cover autism diagnoses and treatment for children under 18. It's a signature with the power to

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-61794733970535139202011-02-28T10:50:00.002-06:002011-02-28T10:54:18.644-06:00

"The lunatics are on the grass" - editorBILL COULD STOP COVERAGERindge lawmaker hopes to reduce what insurance companies have to payBy Dave Eisenstadter Sentinel StaffPublished: Sunday, February 27, 2011A local Republican legislator says he is trying to undo insurance regulation passed in the last four years while Democrats were in charge.House Bill 309, solely sponsored by John B. Hunt of Rindge

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-64628102746446416272011-02-28T10:35:00.004-06:002011-02-28T10:39:48.036-06:00

Regulators Move to Specify Coverage Under Health Law; Insurers Seek Flexibility.By AVERY JOHNSON WSJ February 28, 2011Maggie Haslam's five-year-old autistic son, Drew, has undergone intense behavioral, physical and speech therapy that helped him learn to dress himself and communicate such concepts as "over" and "under."Drew Haslam, 5, is autistic and has received care that may not be covered

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-91743236172422731302011-02-25T16:17:00.003-06:002011-02-25T16:25:31.119-06:00

Filed by Michael CrossFebruary 24, 2011KOSU RadioSupporters of legislation to require insurance companies cover children with autism are upset by a move by the State Speaker of the House that they say will kill the bill.Supporters of Nick’s Law say the House Speaker moved HB 1624 from the Insurance Committee to the Rules Committee in order to stop it from moving forward.The bill’s author,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-77791251087004491902011-02-25T16:02:00.001-06:002011-02-25T16:06:33.806-06:00

By Andrew W. GriffinRed Dirt Report, editorPosted: February 23, 2011reddirtreporter@gmail.comOKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma families with autistic children hit another roadblock this week when they discovered the GOP-led House leadership made a last-minute decision to have renewed discussion of “Nick’s Law” moved from the Insurance Committee to the Rules Committee.The committee was scheduled to meet on

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-18858757866055857162011-02-25T16:00:00.000-06:002011-02-25T16:01:46.926-06:00

Associated Press - February 22, 2011 1:34 PM ET LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A House panel has approved a proposal to require most health insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism.The House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee gave its endorsement Tuesday morning to the bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Uvalde Lindsey of Fayetteville.Jonesboro native Dayna Miller says her

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-24342397970928939222011-02-03T10:04:00.001-06:002011-02-03T10:06:55.712-06:00

The Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation, the umbrella group of tea party organizations in the state, has come out against a bill backed by House Speaker Bill Howell that would require businesses to provide insurance coverage for children with autism. "Autism is certainly a heartbreaking condition and the treatments are a terrible financial strain for many families,'' said Mark Kevin Lloyd,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-47807997746911066962011-01-27T14:11:00.002-06:002011-01-27T14:17:33.677-06:00

But HealthPartners and other insurance companies won't pay for itBy Nick Pinto Wednesday, Jan 26 2011 Tracy Reid was bawling uncontrollably, and the medical specialist sitting across from her couldn't understand why. She had just told Reid that her five-year-old son Max scored normally on a battery of mental tests and had an average IQ. What was there to cry about?Max Reid, now five, was

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-15136162335770913962011-01-27T12:44:00.001-06:002011-01-27T13:13:32.256-06:00

The Edmond SunJanuary 26, 2011 James Coburn EDMOND — EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series. In Friday’s Edition of The Edmond Sun will be coverage of state Rep. Randy Grau’s efforts to include autism coverage in the state’s high risk insurance pool.People don’t fully understand the reality of an insurance company saying, “‘We’re not going to help you with your kid,’” Eric

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-29747149251354358042011-01-22T00:14:00.003-06:002011-01-22T00:20:03.314-06:00

Fox 25 News Oklahoma CityJan 21, 2011Oklahoma City - Rep Mike Brown has filed HB 1624 which will allow the voters of Oklahoma to have the final say on Nick's Law if passed by the state legislature.Click here to view the video.

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-39152709229019955682011-01-20T21:08:00.002-06:002011-01-20T21:10:16.078-06:00

And we're off!It's easy to tell the first Monday back after the New Year in the Government Relations department at Autism Speaks. It's full of sparks as rockets start taking off in every possible angle in the race to introduce autism insurance reform legislation in the states. States spend all fall hammering out policy details, knitting coalitions and growing their grassroots advocates and then

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-10566747239909124502011-01-20T21:05:00.000-06:002011-01-20T21:07:21.926-06:00

Jan 20, 2011LANSING (AP) -- Michigan lawmakers are renewing efforts to require the offering of insurance coverage for certain autism treatments.Bills were introduced this week in the state Senate. Democratic Sen. Tupac Hunter of Detroit said Thursday the insurance coverage is needed to help families that can't afford the costs of certain autism treatments for their children.More than 20 other

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-27250962977798074462011-01-20T21:01:00.001-06:002011-01-20T21:04:07.087-06:00

VAP taking two bills to the State SenateJanuary 17, 2011|By Bob Grebe | Reporter The Virginia Autism Project is hoping the General Assembly will take up Autism insurance reform. The VAP website lists two bills the group is supporting this year. SB 1061 - Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder; relating to the state employee health benefit plan. This bill only covers state employees. SB

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-81782356537545132742011-01-20T20:52:00.002-06:002011-01-20T21:00:40.666-06:00

Click Here to see the video.CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- As people headed into the Capital Classic Wednesday night, they probably noticed something was a little different this year.A large group of people suddenly came together to speak out about an issue affecting thousands of families.They're trying to get better health coverage to help kids living with autism in West Virginia.Sonja Almonte says

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-30432403590568442522010-11-08T12:28:00.002-06:002010-11-08T12:32:07.461-06:00

Editors note: We need to keep an eye on this. This could be used as a template to repeal insurance coverage for autism.In 2008, when comprehensive healthcare reform was only a theory in Democratic presidential primary debates, one bit of changes occurred. That year, Congress passed a bill that requires health insurance companies to treat physical and mental illness equally. This law was mostly

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-91426798703947755452010-11-04T11:13:00.001-05:002010-11-04T11:16:29.562-05:00

Posted October 29, 2010 at 9:13am by Elaine SalyQuestion: My 16 year-old son has autism. He currently receives survivor benefits from Social Security. These will end when he's 18; however, his autism won't. Will health reform provide any services or support for our autistic children as they become adults?Answer: Yes, your son and other young adults with autism will benefit from many provisions of

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-77560007521156785222010-10-27T12:53:00.002-05:002010-10-27T12:58:17.497-05:00

Editor's note. ND state Rep Bette Grande stated that the bill is too broad and needs more study. Translation, insurance lobby has a strong advocate in Rep Grande. There are 23 other states that have focused the legislation. No different in North Dakota.Published: Tuesday, 26 Oct 2010 BISMARCK, N.D. - Lawmakers say they're not ready to push the North Dakota Legislature to support mandatory

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-69820924027783203712010-10-21T17:04:00.001-05:002010-10-21T17:07:27.711-05:00

Courtesy of our friends at Age of Autism.President Bush signed into law the Combating Autism Act (CAA) on December 19, 2006. This landmark legislation authorized $700 million in research funding over five years and set the goal of finding the cause (including possible environmental causes) and treatments for autism. The Act sunsets on September 30, 2011. A coalition of leading community

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-25008036358776110052010-10-21T16:50:00.001-05:002010-10-21T16:57:59.507-05:00

(KMOX) — Claims made on a recent campaign flyer have blown up into a major issue between state Senate candidates Barbara Fraser and John Lamping.They’re both vying for the seat being given up by Joan Bray, who’s being term-limited.Fraser sent out a mailer saying Lamping was against health care coverage for children with autism.Turns out Lamping’s 19-year-old daughter has a form of autism.“Its

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-60343944314862756102010-10-21T16:48:00.000-05:002010-10-21T16:50:00.210-05:00

Gov. David Paterson has vetoed legislation that would require state-regulated health-insurance companies to cover “evidence-based, peer-reviewed and clinically proven” treatment and therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder, saying it would amount to an unfunded mandate because it would increase health-insurance premiums state and local governments pay and the premiums for Child Health

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-52783431368648286112010-10-07T09:47:00.002-05:002010-10-07T09:49:17.801-05:00

Oct. 07, 2010 Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal By JENNIFER ROBISONLAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL DUANE PROKOP/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL For a change, we're not going to talk politics today.Sure, Nevada's autism health-insurance mandate became a red-hot campaign topic in September, with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., making a major issue of Republican candidate Sharron Angle's

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-18166448157119119002010-10-05T16:53:00.001-05:002010-10-05T16:54:43.458-05:00

Tuesday a panel of parents and experts testified before state lawmakers in an effort to help get Michigan to require health insurers to cover treatment for autism. It is a disorder which affects socialization and learning for some 15,000 Michigan children. "Many children with autism will need special education for their entire school career, and will need institutionalization as adults if they

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-52142504015605577192010-10-03T22:21:00.003-05:002010-10-03T22:28:24.598-05:00

Editors note: During the 2009 Oklahoma Legislative Session, Rep Kris Steele, drafted legislation dubbed as the Republican Autism Plan to create an ABA research project at OUHSC. Autism advocates informed him that ABA has over 25+ years of clinical research and we do not need to spend hundreds of thousands of tax payer dollars to reinvent the wheel. This is nothing more than a stall. - WayneBy

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-71650234844778109022010-09-29T09:28:00.003-05:002010-10-04T13:07:29.396-05:00

Sept 28, 2010 This is a guest post by Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks senior policy adviser and counsel. Lorri also teaches “Autism and the Law” at the George Washington University Law School.Autism is a hot topic for discussion at various types of conferences these days, from epidemiologists to economists to educators. You still, however, don’t often see autism on the agenda at legal conferences.

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-67138717912526686492010-09-24T18:31:00.002-05:002010-09-24T18:42:00.248-05:00

Speaking at a Tea Party rally last year, Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle appeared to mock the notion that health care coverage for autism treatment and maternity leave should be mandated. "Take off the mandates for coverage in the state of Nevada and all over the United States," she charged in making remarks that were captured on camera and now are being circulated by the Nevada

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-62302258760975461202010-09-24T18:28:00.000-05:002010-09-24T18:30:24.830-05:00

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Legislature should require insurers to help pay for treatment of children with autism, advocates say.Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to relate to others, and affects children in different ways. Experts say childhood therapy for autism spectrum disorder is important, but extensive behavioral therapy can cost more than $70,000 for a

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-18137622968121200712010-08-22T20:48:00.002-05:002010-08-22T20:55:01.755-05:00

By ANDREW W. GRIFFINOklahoma Watchdog, editorPosted: August 22, 2010andrew@oklahomawatchdog.orgOKLAHOMA CITY — It was last month that long-time Oklahoma resident Wayne Rohde left their home in Edmond and took his family to Minneapolis, Minn. where he and his wife Robyne could get the sort of help that their autistic son Nick needs – help that was not available in Oklahoma.Rohde is a passionate

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-22639458104754938642010-08-12T18:29:00.001-05:002010-08-12T18:32:01.863-05:00

Monday, August 9, 2010By MICHAEL E. YOUNG / The Dallas Morning News myoung@dallasnews.com Her day might begin at 2 or 3 in the morning, when her 9-year-old autistic daughter, Ashlyn, wakes up next to her. And from that moment on, Jackie Polvado's life is a full-out sprint. "Ashlyn still sleeps with me because it's the only way we can get any sleep. But I've been up day and night, like when my

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-78708326297273515902010-08-12T18:06:00.002-05:002010-08-12T18:10:07.426-05:00

Tricare denies a claim for a costly but apparently effective therapy that some states now require insurers to cover.By Jennifer Martinez, Tribune Washington BureauAugust 8, 2010Reporting from Washington When Zachary Berge was diagnosed with autism shortly after his second birthday, he couldn't speak a word. He often threw tantrums because he couldn't express himself.His parents turned to "

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-32088059758037093042010-07-13T22:24:00.000-05:002010-07-13T22:25:54.495-05:00

Having autism is tough on children and their families, especially when the state they live in refuses to mandate insurance coverage for autism treatments.The Rohde family in Oklahoma is particularly frustrated and is moving to Minnesota, a more autism friendly state.The family says that each year they spend around $40,000 out of pocket on their son Nick's treatment.They've fought long and hard

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-3609930555447611042010-07-13T13:41:00.003-05:002010-07-13T13:50:55.952-05:00

Posted: Jul 12, 2010 9:36 PM CDT By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9OKLAHOMA CITY ---Click here for the video.The Rohde family said the $40,000 per year they are forced to spend out of pocket on Nick's treatments, including special therapy session, have gotten to be too much. Wayne Rohde is sad his family has to leave Oklahoma but said his son Nick will receive better treatment in Minnesota because there are

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-17631487970133094192010-07-11T00:09:00.002-05:002010-07-11T00:34:21.983-05:00

Tulsa WorldState fails family of autistic childBy World's Editorial Writers Published: 7/10/2010 2:21 AM Last Modified: 7/10/2010 5:28 AMThe family that led efforts to force Oklahoma insurance companies to cover autism is leaving the state.The emotional and financial toll of raising an autistic son without insurance coverage forced Wayne and Robyne Rohde to take their children to Minnesota,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-25723542721298888462010-07-08T19:17:00.002-05:002010-07-08T19:22:52.379-05:00

Edmond Sun, July 8, 2010EDMOND — An Edmond family who has led the charge for autism insurance reform in the state is planning to move.Wayne Rohde announced in an e-mail and Facebook e-mail that he, his wife Robyne and their sons, Austin and Nicholas, will move to Minnesota at the end of the month. His youngest son, Nicholas, is the namesake of Nick’s Law, which did not gain final legislative

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-43403985845411429872010-07-08T19:12:00.002-05:002010-07-08T19:15:55.205-05:00

Want to announce to all of you that my family and I are moving from Edmond to Minnesota at the end of the month. While we are very excited to go to a state that is autism friendly and we will be able to provide the greatest amount of education and medical care for our son Nick, we are saddened to leave Oklahoma and the many friends that we have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing.The battles

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-4367032140138014942010-06-05T21:14:00.001-05:002010-06-05T21:16:51.078-05:00

The signs that Blaine Davis wasn't quite like other toddlers came early. Even more than the fact that he didn't play well with others, he lacked the skill to point to what he wanted. That inability to express his wants and needs meant that he would follow his mother around and cry in frustration. "He was in his own world,” said his mother, Jennifer Davis. "He had no way of communicating with us

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-34601458867373623432010-06-05T20:57:00.001-05:002010-06-05T21:00:18.960-05:00

May 24, 2010 • The Rossman GroupYPSILANTI, Mich. – Autism experts and parents said today at the first of four public hearings that more Michigan children with autism will go untreated unless Michigan insurers help cover medically proven therapies that families can’t afford on their own.“It’s heartbreaking to learn your child has autism, but to find out your insurance company won’t cover

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-2024216517782351212010-05-25T19:04:00.001-05:002010-05-25T19:08:45.477-05:00

From our friends at Oklahoma Citizen. Click here to access article.May 24, 2010 - 7:38 pm by ollamok Parents many times want their disabled child to have a label. Any label will do. Why? So they know what they are dealing with and can start a plan of attack. Or, can finally put a name to what they have faced for so long. They never dreamed that it could force them into being

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-30635053905333958872010-05-10T11:12:00.003-05:002010-05-10T11:19:37.642-05:00

Sen. Sean BurrageMay 10, 2010Pryor Daily Times OKLAHOMA CITY — Starting Nov. 1, parents of children with autism will have greater protection when it comes to more fair treatment by insurance companies. Senate Bill 2045 was approved on bipartisan votes in the Senate and the House and has been approved by the governor. The measure includes language that will make certain health insurance companies

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-9795534518990155852010-05-06T15:53:00.000-05:002010-05-06T15:54:50.472-05:00

Associated Press - May 6, 2010 1:14 PM ET JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Senators have passed what they describe as a compromise bill to require insurance coverage of autism treatment for children.The legislation would require group insurance policies regulated by the state to cover up to $45,000 annually for behavioral therapy for autistic children through age 18. The mandate would begin Jan. 1.

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-21768587304053768972010-04-24T21:42:00.001-05:002010-04-24T21:46:06.618-05:00

Kim DabneySpecial to the ProgressApril 24, 2010 CLAREMORE — What do labels such as “American Indian,” “Jewish,” “Jehovah’s Witness,” “disabled” and “Polish” have in common? They describe wonderful groups of people denoting their faith, culture, condition or heritage. These labels also subjected millions to persecution and death.For the past 30 years, the United States recognizes April as

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-79590600551870114842010-04-24T20:32:00.001-05:002010-04-24T20:43:30.550-05:00

Previously, insurers could deny coverage for unrelated treatments.By SUSAN HYLTON World Staff Writer 4/24/2010 Advocates for children with autism say that a bill signed into law Friday by Gov. Brad Henry is a good first step toward parity in health coverage for the disorder. The legislation, added to Senate Bill 2045, requires health insurers to cover the same illnesses for autistic children as

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-77860686073122545332010-04-24T20:28:00.002-05:002010-04-24T20:32:22.072-05:00

An excerpt from the Durant Daily DemocratClick here to read the entire article. ....The second step forward for children last week was enactment of a bill I amended when it was before the Senate. For years, I have fought to require health insurance to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism. That bill, known as “Nick’s Law,” has passed the Senate a number of times only to falter in the House

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-89463728283853254242010-04-20T17:37:00.001-05:002010-04-20T17:39:41.444-05:00

On Monday, April 19, 2010 Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson signed the Senate Substitute for HB 2160: An act concerning insurance; providing coverage for autism spectrum disorder; amending K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 75-6501 and repealing the existing section into law. The bill takes effect upon publication in the Kansas Statute Book. S.Sub HB 2160 passed in the legislature on April 2, 2010 March 30, 2010.New

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-89044959210652928132010-04-20T17:26:00.001-05:002010-04-20T17:28:11.550-05:00

JEFFERSON CITY | A Missouri Senate committee on Tuesday split the difference between House and Senate versions of legislation mandating insurance coverage for children with autism.The new compromise requires state-regulated health insurers -- about 40 percent of the market -- to cover autism spectrum disorders, including providing expensive behavioral treatment.It caps annual spending on that

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-21934331468982733832010-04-20T17:24:00.000-05:002010-04-20T17:25:46.335-05:00

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Brad Henry's desk is the next stop for legislation requiring health insurers to cover the same illnesses for autistic children as they do children without the condition.Sen. Jay Paul Gumm of Durant said Tuesday the measure was passed by the House and Senate and now goes to the governor to be signed into law.Gumm says families have told him some insurers deny claims for

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-50304002670891618292010-04-20T17:08:00.002-05:002010-04-20T17:12:07.474-05:00

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bipartisan effort has put a bill on Governor Henry’s desk to make certain health insurance companies cover the same illnesses for children with autism as they do children without such a diagnosis.That assurance is contained in Senate Bill 2045. When the bill was before the Senate, Senator Jay Paul Gumm proposed the language as an amendment, which senators overwhelmingly approved

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-81591305439220042262010-03-31T19:37:00.002-05:002010-03-31T19:55:37.347-05:00

OK GazetteMarch 31, 2010SoonerPoll.com, run by Shapard Research, surveyed 1,000 likely registered voters statewide between Feb. 25 and March 8. The poll has a 3.1 percent margin of error. For those contemplating a run at political office this year, here are a couple of campaign tips based on the poll: Better do thorough research on autism, and, for God’s sakes, limit the booze.A caring

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-71887562510603283792010-03-13T18:47:00.000-06:002010-03-13T18:48:57.329-06:00

Ed Doney Reporting , KFOR March 9, 2010 OKLAHOMA CITY -- A bill that would require insurance companies to cover treatment for children with autism has cleared the House of Representatives in Missouri. However, the fight continues over similar legislation in Oklahoma, called "Nick's Law." The father of 12-year-old Nick Rohde, for whom the proposed law was named, wants Oklahoma to join surrounding

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-27554066102107869012010-03-06T13:13:00.001-06:002010-03-06T13:13:07.138-06:00

Suburban Journals | News | Autism insurance bill clears Missouri HousePosted using ShareThis

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-87299017854155544782010-02-09T19:13:00.002-06:002010-02-09T19:16:02.791-06:00

Tahleguah Daily PressBy TEDDYE SNELL Press Staff Writer “It’s important that we get Nick’s Law to a vote of the people,” said Brown. Brown is also spearheading HB 2902, which would provide insurance coverage to developmentally disabled dependents for a longer period of time. “This would allow parents who buy insurance coverage for their disabled children to extend the age of coverage to 25,”

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-52133172045238885892010-02-07T16:36:00.001-06:002010-02-07T16:38:37.345-06:00

Autism studies bolster argument to act slowlyOUR VIEWS Prevalence rates vary widely The Oklahoman Editorial Published: February 7, 2010AN insurance coverage mandate for autism therapy was a highlight of Gov. Brad Henry’s 2009 State of the State address. The issue didn’t make the highlight reel in Henry’s 2010 speech. It was never mentioned. Last year Henry joined legislative Democrats in

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-79450462051869460832010-02-07T16:35:00.000-06:002010-02-07T16:36:21.877-06:00

February 7, 2010Once again, the General Assembly is convening in Richmond, and the tasks and challenges they face are not getting any easier. Our budget has a large shortfall, our economy is in the tank, and let's not talk about Virginia's roads, bridges and tunnels. Wouldn't it be great if we could fix some of these issues in a cost-effective manner and save the state and taxpayers money? Well,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-69304305581992458092010-01-27T17:57:00.001-06:002010-01-27T18:00:21.694-06:00

Printed from the Urban Tulsa Weekly website: http://www.urbantulsa.comPOSTED ON JANUARY 27, 2010:Look, up at the capitol--is it Superman or Clark Kent?By Arnold HamiltonIf House Speaker-designate Kris Steele isn't the most anxious guy at the state Capitol these days, he should be.The Shawnee Republican is the GOP majority's choice to grab hold of the gavel for the 2011 session, succeeding current

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-60649299375595001382010-01-20T08:00:00.000-06:002010-01-20T08:02:15.033-06:00

By KSPR NewsStory Created: Jan 19, 2010 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A big monetary difference remainsbetween insurers and health care advocates over Missourilegislation addressing treatment for autistic children.House and Senate committees each heard testimony Tuesday onbills seeking to make Missouri the 16th state to enact an autisminsurance mandate.Advocates back a proposal that would require

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-82113456064533007322010-01-20T07:55:00.001-06:002010-01-20T07:57:31.478-06:00

Autism Coverage Fight ContinuesSubmitted by dochoc on Tue, 2010-01-19 18:30 LegislatureTo check out OKIE FUNK blog, click here.A proposed legislative bill would allow Oklahoma voters to decide if insurance companies should cover treatments for autism.State Rep. Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah) has filed House Joint Resolution 1068, which if approved, would ask voters to add this amendment to the state

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-27700879399831696172010-01-16T21:04:00.002-06:002010-01-16T21:12:38.111-06:00

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT and JULIE BISBEE The Oklahoman Published: January 17, 2010The state’s worst budget crisis in modern history is not getting in the way of legislators filing more than 2,200 bills for the session that begins next month. Some issues back→Requiring insurance companies to provide coverage of treatment for children with autism, an issue that Democratic and Republican leaders have

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-85385398375994622612010-01-12T09:25:00.002-06:002010-01-12T09:28:45.599-06:00

So, will Nick's Law be discussed in the legislature?After some political wrangling during the last session, a procedural move supposedly made it impossible to hear Nick's Law (mandated insurance coverage for autism) for two years. Talk is that it will be heard again, but perhaps in a different format. I confess that I'm not sure just what happened or how it can happen, but I believe the time

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-11312972689604137552010-01-10T17:35:00.002-06:002010-01-10T17:38:12.500-06:00

Below is a post from a mother in the Kansas City area. She posted a comment on an article from KansasCity.comOur kids in KS & MO need this help... did you know that of the 12 common neurologic disorders (listed below), AUTISM IS THE ONLY ONE NOT COVERED BY PRIVATE INSURANCE IN KANSAS.1. autism spectrum disorders2. cerebral palsy3. tourette syndrome4. migraine5. epilepsy6. multiple sclerosis7.

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-87789948871174976572010-01-09T12:28:00.002-06:002010-01-09T12:30:54.650-06:00

Behavioral Innovations Works to Ensure Comprehensive Programs AvailableDALLAS, Jan. 7 PRNewswireBehavioral Innovations, the premier Dallas/Fort Worth provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for families of children with autism and other developmental disorders, announces its partnership with key insurance carriers to offer in-network insurance coverage for several ABA therapy

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-41718856473633627742010-01-03T12:52:00.003-06:002010-01-03T12:55:56.697-06:00

Disappointment doesn't even begin to describe the dashed hopes of families who had hoped earlier this year — for the second year in a row — that Oklahoma might join several other states in mandating insurance coverage for treatment of autistic children. House Bill 1312, "Nick's Law," was defeated in a House committee. Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, said of the panel's members: "They tore the

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-4242214614924853742009-12-29T00:39:00.003-06:002009-12-29T00:47:56.515-06:00

by M. Scott CarterThe Journal Record December 29, 2009OKLAHOMA CITY – For Wayne Rohde, the third time could be a charm.But the odds are stacked against him.Just weeks before the Oklahoma Legislature is set to reconvene, Rohde said he and state Sen. J. Paul Gumm, a Democrat from Durant, would try, once again, to pass legislation that would require insurance companies to cover patients diagnosed

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-47082952233954713622009-11-15T12:31:00.000-06:002009-11-15T12:33:30.549-06:00

The Associated Press2009-11-15 WASHINGTON - Two D.C. Council members are planning to introduce legislation this week that would require insurance companies to improve coverage for children with autism.Tommy Wells and Muriel Bowser plan to announce details of the legislation Monday and introduce their bill Tuesday.If the bill passes, the District of Columbia would join a growing number of states

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-5917033692232099252009-11-02T08:48:00.001-06:002009-11-02T08:54:28.351-06:00

Posted on OCTOBER 14, 2009:www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A28245OF RED HERRINGS AND PINK ELEPHANTSHoping against HOPE, state GOP sit quiet on insurance coverage for autisticchildrenBy Arnold HamiltonThe Chicken Littles were out in force recently at the state Capitol. Oneafter another, they traipsed before a House committee to warn of cataclysmicconsequences if voters approve SQ 744,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-74300419234879307522009-10-24T22:29:00.002-05:002009-10-24T22:31:26.748-05:00

Health insurance coverage battle continues in Legislatureby Jay Paul Gumm DURANT — Hello again, everybody! Some battles at the State Capitol are over quickly; others continue, waiting on political leadership to catch up with public opinion.The struggle to provide health insurance coverage to children with autism is one of those battles that will continue. Finding a way to help these children and

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-59213251101314496572009-09-14T21:44:00.000-05:002009-09-14T21:45:54.379-05:00

Sunday, September 13, 2009By Terri Lynn Tersak I’m a parent of an autistic child and Autism Advocate. We are often asked when we first noticed a problem with our son Xander (X). X got his first MMR along with his Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines on 09-20-2004. Two weeks later he was showing pronounced symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders.It did take a while to get autism as the official diagnosis

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-5671115841781425942009-09-11T16:42:00.002-05:002009-09-11T16:45:48.206-05:00

By Bailey Dabney, PublisherCLAREMORE DAILY PROGRESSSeptember 8, 2009 September 08, 2009 12:23 pm— The national healthcare debate goes on. Support for the plan with a government run public option is sparse and momentum for it’s passing never built. That may prevent the passage of the largest healthcare overhaul America has ever seen. The debate, however, rages on, and will likely continue until

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-8677361306388828072009-08-09T14:10:00.001-05:002009-08-09T14:12:08.084-05:00

editor's note. The Oklahoman by publishing another hit piece editorial about Nick's Law, does show that they are concerned about the momentum of our legislation. Please leave comments on the blog and click the link to leave comments on the newsok.com website.The Oklahoman Editorial Published: August 9, 2009to view comments posted on newsok.com website, please click here.If mandating “extras” in

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-90559775373711619472009-07-05T20:23:00.002-05:002009-07-05T20:27:14.670-05:00

Decoding Nick's Law MetroFamily MagazineJuly 2009Pam Pollard“The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that’s the essence of inhumanity.” - George Bernard ShawIs autism in Oklahoma an issue of compromise or indifference? Those on the side of House Bill 2027—otherwise known as Nick’s Law—are passionate and clear on one point: without insurance

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-36536990762102836902009-06-26T21:05:00.000-05:002009-06-26T21:06:34.258-05:00

Sestak Amendment Included in National Defense Authorization Act Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation expanding services for autism treatment for military families. The National Defense Authorization Act includes an amendment authored by Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) expanding insurance coverage for the children of service personnel under the military’s healthcare

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-35964235631152977722009-06-24T17:54:00.001-05:002009-06-24T17:56:26.955-05:00

Gumm: Texas’ Continued Advancements in Autism Coverage Present Somber Comparison As Texas families this week celebrate the signing of legislation expanding the age of mandatory insurance coverage for children with autism, Sen. Jay Paul Gumm said Oklahoma families struggling to care for autistic children deserve better from their state Legislature. Texas’ new law expands the age of mandatory

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-75795885635867584402009-06-23T21:55:00.001-05:002009-06-23T22:14:01.337-05:00

eCapitol NewsAuthor: William W. Savage III Date: 06/22/2009 (OK) In the wake of a Michigan court's landmark settlement regarding the denial of autism coverage, parents of Oklahoma children denied coverage in the same manner are considering the possibility of filing their own lawsuit locally."We've got several people who we're in the middle of studying [the cases of] about filing a suit against

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-33622069567060715682009-06-21T20:07:00.002-05:002009-06-21T20:10:54.235-05:00

As posted on Okie Pundit blog. Click here to read on the blog.One of the most contentious issues for debate at the Oklahoma Legislature the past two sessions was about insurance mandates -specifically, autism insurance coverage known as Nick’s Law.Over the last 2 years, we have seen 10 states pass autism insurance coverage legislation to join Texas, Indiana, and South Carolina. Now that 13

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-79483243786411605672009-06-19T16:18:00.001-05:002009-06-19T16:19:37.102-05:00

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Forced to Pay for Behavioral Therapy for Autism In Landmark Case Release issued by Mantese and Rossman, P.C., on June 19, 2009Detroit, Michigan. The family of an autistic child filed a motion in federal court today to confirm settlement of a class action against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The family alleged in the suit that the insurer wrongfully

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-91543374341074880762009-06-13T12:18:00.002-05:002009-06-13T12:26:10.996-05:00

Norman TranscriptBy M. Scott CarterJune 13, 2009 01:33 am— Transcript Staff WriterOKLAHOMA CITY -- Wayne Rohde didn't want this.A self-described conservative Republican, Rohde and his wife, Robyne, came to Oklahoma about 10 years ago to be near Robyne's parents.That was in 1999.A short time later, Robyne gave birth to fraternal twins, Austin and Nick. Austin was born at 28.5 weeks; Nick was born

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-13303169892299569462009-06-10T13:53:00.001-05:002009-06-10T13:53:58.869-05:00

Edmond Democrats will meet this Thursday, June 11, in Room 110 of the Edmond Community Center, 28 E. Main in Edmond. The meeting will begin at 6:30.Guest speaker at this month's meeting will be Wayne Rohde of Edmond. His son Nicholas is the inspiration for "Nick's Law," a proposal to mandate medical insurance coverage for children with autism in Oklahoma. The proposal has met with stiff

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-41820589665590810072009-06-09T15:27:00.001-05:002009-06-09T15:28:42.080-05:00

Michigan Autism Insurance Bill HB 4476 Unanimously Passes House Health Policy Committee-To Go To Floor Of the Michigan House The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan House Bill 4476 (2009) ( introduced 2/26/2009; Sponsor: Rep. Kathy Angerer + 4 co-sponsors)Insurance; health care corporations; coverage for certain treatments related to autism was approved by a unanimous 19-0 vote in the

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-39702691398342715882009-06-04T15:22:00.002-05:002009-06-04T15:25:06.452-05:00

The free markets exist and prosper when there is accountability and transparency. There is none in the private insurance market in OK. There has been no insurance mandates passed in OK since 2001, yet our insurance has been increasing each year on an avgerage of 10% or more and not because of insurance mandates. The insurance industry in OK has one of the lowest medical loss ratios in the nation.

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-91108072758181039402009-05-31T19:26:00.001-05:002009-05-31T19:27:59.436-05:00

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S ETexas Legislature Passes Expansion Of Insurance Coverage for Texas Children with AutismEffective Date:May 31, 2009 Contact: Mike Bernoski, Executive Director512-402-5842 Phone;media@texasautismadvocacy.orgAustin, Texas – The Texas legislature showed their support today for families by passing a measure to expand the age of mandatory insurance coverage

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-63361799536655674062009-05-30T13:28:00.003-05:002009-05-30T13:36:49.822-05:00

Tulsa World OP/Ed By Staff ReportsPublished: 5/30/2009 Click here to see other comments.Nevada became the 12th state to pass autism insurance mandates. New Mexico, Montana and Utah also passed legislation in 2009. Connecticut and New Jersey aren't far behind. Our legislators say, "Oklahoma is unique from other states regarding the uninsured." Florida, Louisiana, Arizona and Texas all have high

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-43843322162507568572009-05-26T13:39:00.001-05:002009-05-26T13:42:33.564-05:00

By KARL TARO GREENFELDPublished: May 23, 2009 IN mid-2007, I set off to meet with geneticists, epidemiologists and doctors who specialize in researching and treating autism. I was seeking a novel therapy for my 42-year-old autistic younger brother Noah. I was also looking to discover how heightened awareness of autism — it is now among the most financially successful and mediagenic diseases ever,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-5788755854405449682009-05-24T13:21:00.004-05:002009-05-24T13:25:32.043-05:00

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9Posted: May 20, 2009 Click here to link to the videoNick Rohde, for whom the bill Nick's Law was named, learns new skills during a therapy session. It costs his family $1,000 each week for the therapy. Supporters of Nick's Law argue the report requested by the House of Representatives is inaccurate and misleading to lawmakers. Nick's father and autism advocate, Wayne Rohde,

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-24501703580959125262009-05-22T21:29:00.002-05:002009-05-22T21:36:29.781-05:00

Click the link below to see.http://tinyurl.com/px5ffsThanks to our good friend in Washington DC, Mark Miller.

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-43465785333899393942009-05-22T20:48:00.002-05:002009-05-22T20:52:02.676-05:00

Click here to listen to radio interview on KOSU. Sen Jay Paul Gumm, Wayne Rohde, and Rep Kris Steele discuss Nick's Law.Interview was conducted Wednesday, May 20th

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-34532669546480026812009-05-20T18:33:00.001-05:002009-05-20T18:36:07.459-05:00

Oklahoma State SenateFor Immediate Release: May 20, 2009Wilson Concerned Senate Republicans Plan to Gut SB 1055 to Protect Insurance Industry…Again A bill waiting to be heard on the Senate floor has been stripped down by Senate Republicans to protect the insurance industry, a pattern of behavior by the majority party that began quickly after they came into power for the first time in state

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-54932356487924218222009-05-20T13:48:00.003-05:002009-05-20T13:51:22.849-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETuesday, May 19, 2009Democratic Floor Leader Mike BrownState Capitol Building, Rm. 545Oklahoma City, OK 73105(405) 557-7408Contact: Karina Henderson, (405) 962-7819Brown suggests special license plateAutism awareness plate doesn't reflect Republican prioritiesOklahoma City (May 19, 2009) State Capitol – After the House passed SB2, a bill to add several special license plates

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-45408484415643025802009-05-17T19:11:00.001-05:002009-05-17T19:15:26.793-05:00

Edmond SunRAY MARTINState Capitol News ServiceOKLAHOMA CITY May 14, 2009 02:31 pm— The Oklahoma Legislature remains divided on the issue of assisting families with autistic children, despite enactment of a new law designed to make services more available and affordable.Even Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, who signed the law into effect May 4, expressed concern that the measure was only “one very

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-23808774162245377562009-05-10T12:21:00.002-05:002009-05-10T12:24:45.546-05:00

A letter to the editor submitted to many newspapers across Oklahoma.Dear Editor:As the parents who have been at the forefront in trying to obtain healthcare coverage for the 6,500 children in our state with autism and who helped write Nick’s Law, we would like to set the record straight on this legislation.Autism is a medical condition. It not only affects the child’s ability to speak, socialize

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-12650323167607132562009-05-05T16:11:00.002-05:002009-05-05T16:15:18.351-05:00

The State of OklahomaOFFICE OF SENATOR JAY PAUL GUMMAtoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston & Marshall Counties May 5, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Senator Jay Paul GummState Capitol: (405) 521-5586Durant Office: (580) 924-2221Mobile: (580) 920-6990 Autism Bill Only “Relieves Political Pressure” – Senator Gumm OKLAHOMA CITY – Following is a statement by Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, author of “

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-8747554353835856682009-05-04T18:24:00.002-05:002009-05-04T18:27:44.664-05:00

The Associated Press Published: May 4, 2009click here to post on-line comments.Gov. Brad Henry has signed legislation designed to increase the number of therapists who provide services to autistic children.But Henry said Monday the measure is just a small step in the effort to help affected Oklahoma families. He urged lawmakers to pass legislation to mandate insurance coverage for the treatment

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-42399870928216546842009-05-04T14:28:00.002-05:002009-05-04T14:32:38.338-05:00

by Jeff Mayo, General Manager and Associate Publisher05.01.09 - 02:36 pmViagra? Covered. Autism? Nope.Click to post comments online.Most insurance companies operating in Oklahoma cover Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs, but few cover autism.On Monday, Oklahoma House Democrats walked out of the legislative chambers after the Republican leadership refused to consider legislation that

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-79274744037266342482009-04-30T16:25:00.001-05:002009-04-30T16:30:29.056-05:00

Capitol BureauPublished: April 30, 2009Gov. Brad Henry on Thursday vetoed a bill that would limit when legislation dealing with the insurance industry could be heard.House Bill 1975 said insurance legislation could only be introduced in odd-numbered years and approved in even-numbered years. The bill would have also required a 75 percent super-majority vote to do away with the mandate in the case

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-84531392704596282372009-04-30T16:23:00.000-05:002009-04-30T16:25:14.352-05:00

Oklahoma State SenateApril 30, 2009For Immediate ReleaseContact: Amber England, Democratic Communications DirectorOklahoma State SenateStatement from Democratic Leader Charlie Laster on Governor Henry’s Veto of HB 1975;Says the Bill did Nothing but Protect the Powerful Insurance Industry“We knew in January when Senate Republicans changed the rules to include special protection for one specific

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-87280878340357951872009-04-29T21:04:00.002-05:002009-04-29T21:09:31.546-05:00

Oklahoma State SenateApril 28, 2009For Immediate ReleaseContact: Amber England, Democratic Communications DirectorOklahoma State SenateInsurance Companies Win Big in Senate GOP’s “First 50 Days”All the Chest Pounding and “Atta Boys” Can’t Hide GOP Love for Powerful Insurance Industry.OKLAHOMA CITY—Calling the latest press conference by Senate Republicans nothing but chest pounding and political

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-17221447658760711672009-04-28T17:41:00.003-05:002009-04-28T17:52:10.007-05:00

Submitted by dochoc on Tue, 2009-04-28 19:05Most Oklahoma House Democrats showed real political spunk Monday when they walked out on Republicans after the GOP leadership refused to consider legislation that would mandate insurance companies pay for medical costs associated with autism.State Rep. Joe Dorman, pictured right, a Rush Springs Democrat, used the word “totalitarian,“ referring to the

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-32855732540088133702009-04-28T14:49:00.001-05:002009-04-28T14:52:02.440-05:00

The Oklahoma ObserverApril 28, 2009BY ARNOLD HAMILTONAs promised, House Democrats returned to their seats today, a day after walking out en masse to protest what they viewed as heavy-handedness by the Republican majority.Dems had hoped to revive “Nick’s Law” that would require insurance companies to cover treatment for autism. But the GOP - with Rep. Don Armes of Faxon ruling from the speaker’s

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-88208741271610825712009-04-27T20:36:00.001-05:002009-04-27T20:38:06.455-05:00

By MICHAEL MCNUTT NewsOK.comPublished: 4/27/2009 OKLAHOMA CITY — House Democrats tried unsuccessfully Monday to get legislation heard that would require insurance companies to provide coverage of treatment for children with autism.Disappointed, most of the 40 Democratic House members walked out of the House chamber.They were upset that they were not permitted to seek a vote to suspend House

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-36932750836317745652009-04-27T20:28:00.001-05:002009-04-27T20:30:14.754-05:00

By Staff ReportsPublished: 4/27/2009 As part of Autism Awareness Month, the Tulsa Police Department announced Monday a partnership with the Autism Center of Tulsa, formerly known as The Tulsa Autism Foundation, which will to offer training to police officers.This training is the first of its kind offered in Oklahoma and includes information from national resources and profiles officers and their

Wayne Rohdehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14486553652241289394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8301326381619650844.post-14566445432737016482009-04-27T19:59:00.001-05:002009-04-27T20:03:56.465-05:00

The Associated PressPublished: April 27, 2009Democrats in the Oklahoma House walked out of the chamber Monday after their attempt to revive an insurance coverage mandate for autism was blocked by the House's Republican majority."This is totalitarian government," Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Sand Springs, said after all but a handful of the House's 40 Democrats walked off the floor following a series of

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