Denver, CO  (June 3, 2009) -- Autism Society of Colorado, along with many advocacy groups joined Governor Bill Ritter Jr. for signing into law Senate Bill 09-244, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of for treatment of autism.

According to Betty Lehman, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Colorado, “This is a significant advancement in Colorado health care legislation. Because of the unwavering support of State Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-17) and Representative Dianne Primavera (D-33), children with autism now have the insurance coverage for benefits they so desperately need and deserve which results in both quality of life and future savings in education and long term care.”

"Health care reform is a central part of the Colorado Promise and my strategy for leading Colorado forward," Gov. Ritter said. "Over the last 21⁄2 years, we've increased availability, improved quality and addressed costs. The bill I am signing today will help continue our efforts to build a strong, sustainable health care system for Colorado."

Colorado is the twelfth state to pass autism insurance reform joining Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas that have passed similar autism insurance reform bills.