Federal Funding and the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA)
Congress is now charged with appropriating federal funding authorized under the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act signed into law by President Obama on September 30, 2011. CARA secured the federal response to the national and public health emergency posed by autism spectrum disorders for another three years. Sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) in the House of Representatives, and Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) in the Senate, the law authorizes $693 million in federal resources for continued autism research, treatment and services.
Federal Health Care Reform
The implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act could have profound implications on autism insurance benenfits in bevery state. Autism Speaks is closely monitoring the implementation of the law by the states and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act
Autism Speaks is supporting the ABLE Act which would allow the creation of tax-free 529 accounts for individuals with disabilities, including autism, to save for their future needs without losing access to other resources.
Military Families and Autism Advocacy
Autism Speaks is supporting action by Congress to strengthen and expand autism coverage under the military's TRICARE insurance program. Learn more about this issue and other initiatives affecting military families raising children with autism.
