Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) was recently named a “legislative champion” by Autism Speaks.

     Autism Speaks chose Senator Fuschillo for the honor for authoring New York State’s autism insurance reform law. The law will enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The law will save families with autism tens of thousands of dollars a year in out of pocket costs for autism treatment and therapies which many insurance companies refuse to cover. The law takes effect on November 1st.

     Senator Fuschillo (center), is pictured with fellow honoree Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (second left), and (l-r) Lorri Unumb, Judith Ursitti, and Peter Bell from Autism Speaks.