September 7, 2011
Because of autism insurance law, Ozark Center has hired seven additional staff members since January; 26 clients receiving services through policies covered by requirement
Gov. Nixon visits Ozark Center for Autism, applauds leadership on state's autism insurance law
JOPLIN, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today visited the Ozark Center for Autism in Joplin to applaud the center's clinical staff for working tirelessly to provide services to its clients while recovering and rebuilding after the devastating May 22 tornado. Gov. Nixon also thanked the center for playing a key leadership role in implementing Missouri's new autism insurance statute, which was signed into law last year.
"The Ozark Center for Autism, which is a critical part of the Freeman Health System, is truly a center of excellence for behavioral health services in southwest Missouri," Gov. Nixon said. "Because of the strength of its leadership and professional staff, the center has overcome extreme challenges to continue its mission of delivering outstanding care to its clients, despite significant damage from the devastating tornado. At the same time, the Ozark Center for Autism has led the way in implementing Missouri's new insurance requirement for autism treatment and services, growing its staff and expanding services at a critical time for our state. The center is making a real difference in the lives of children in southwest Missouri."
Because of the new Missouri autism law, the Ozark Center for Autism is growing. The center has hired seven additional staff members since January. Twenty-six individuals with autism are receiving services under insurance policies included under the Missouri requirement. In total, those 26 individuals have had more than 800 services covered by their insurance.
The Missouri autism insurance law, which was passed as House Bill 1311 in 2010, requires that insurance companies provide coverage of up to $40,000 a year, until age 18, for Applied Behavioral Analysis, which clinical evidence has shown to be the most effective means of treating autism spectrum disorders. The requirement took effect Jan. 1, 2011. Professionals from the Ozark Center for Autism were key members of a statewide coalition that worked with Gov. Nixon to pass the law.
The Ozark Center for Autism is part of Freeman Health System's Ozark Center, the most comprehensive provider of behavioral health services in the Joplin area. The autism center was one of eight Ozark Center facilities damaged or destroyed by the May 22 tornado.
Although its physical home was destroyed by the tornado, the Ozark Center for Autism continues to provide services and treatment for patients with autism spectrum disorders today. While renovations are underway at another facility, the autism center is renting 2,000 square feet of space from The Bridge, a community center in Joplin, where center staff members are providing services. Staff members also are increasing the number of services they provide to clients and their families in the home.
"The Ozark Center for Autism has been tried and tested this year, but we are committed, we are strong, and we are growing," said Paula Baker, chief clinical officer for Freeman Health System and supervisor of programming for the autism center. "Our mission is to provide outstanding services for the children in our care, and that mission hasn't changed one bit because of the tornado. Our outstanding professionals will continue to work each and every day to change the lives of children in our area, and the new autism law is helping us do just that. We are a part of this community today, tomorrow and for years to come."