REDMOND--Boeing is now covering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a treatment methodology that has consistently shown the greatest success in treating autism spectrum disorders. Boeing, like a number of other self-insured employers, has previously refused to cover this crucial, medically required treatment.  Boeing in good faith has gone ahead and provided coverage on it own starting January 1, 2015.

“Parents shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying the bills and the health and welfare of their children,” said Arzu Forough, CEO of the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA). “Today’s announcement is a victory not only Boeing families, but for tens of thousands of families nationwide that are being denied medically necessary care at large employers. Every company that agrees to do the right thing makes it more difficult for others to continue withholding coverage.”

“After Jan. 1, 2015, 81,000 families will gain access to vital life-improving care,” said Mira Posner, WAAA staff attorney. “This is a major victory, but too many companies continue to refuse coverage for children with autism. While this is a major step-forward, we have more work left to do.”

###

Founded in 2007, Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA) exists to remove barriers to timely access to evidence based treatment, effective education programs, sustainable community based services and supports for children and adults statewide. WAAA works to:

• Remove barriers to insurance coverage of effective autism treatment in the state of Washington

• Promote Clinical Practice Guidelines for evidence based treatment of autism

• Build an adequate network of healthcare providers for those in need regardless of funding source

• Provide support, guidance, and resources to families and professionals to make effective autism treatment and socially significant habilitative programs attainable statewide