Glenview…Today, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law legislation championed by State Representative Elizabeth Coulson that will ensure children who need habilitative services due to a trauma or injury at a young age or a congenital or genetic birth defect have health care coverage.

Specifically, Senate Bill 101 mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy for children under the age of 19 with congenital or genetic defects that developed at birth or at a young age.  The legislation passed in the House and Senate unanimously.

“Today is a life-changing day for many families who have been facing enormous medical bills to ensure that their children with autism, cerebral palsy or injury from a trauma, receive the care and treatment they need.  Habilitative services are critical in helping children with disabilities grow, develop and function independently,” Rep. Coulson said.

Rep. Coulson introduced this bill after insurance companies denied coverage to children who need habilitative services based on claims that since the child never possessed the skills to begin with, the therapy was not rehabilitative.  This law aims to close the gap that exists between habilitative and rehabilitative services.

“As a physical therapist, I have personally witnessed the amazing recovery of children who have access to habilitative services.  Many children who receive habilitative services demonstrate tremendous improvement and progress.  Covering the costs of these services has the potential to improve a child’s overall development and quality of life,” Rep. Coulson said.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be able to call the families in my district and let them know that they can now receive the help they need.  I will continue to fight for children with disabilities – to help ease their hardships and make certain that they have access to the very best health care programs,” Rep. Coulson said.