Gov. Kathy Hochul signs groundbreaking law mandating insurance coverage for dyslexia diagnosis costs.
In a groundbreaking move, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York signed a bill into law that mandates private insurers to cover the expenses of essential diagnostic tests for dyslexia. This law, the first of its kind in the United States, aims to facilitate early detection of dyslexia and other learning differences like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The educational system in New York has been slow to recognize and accommodate dyslexia, leading to many affected students being overlooked as the state grapples with identifying and supporting them.
It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of students in New York City are dyslexic, a statistic that State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor, described as “daunting.” Neuropsychological exams, which are crucial for diagnosing dyslexia, can be prohibitively expensive, costing up to $10,000. These tests are a prerequisite for parents to request educational services for their children from schools. The high cost of these exams has resulted in some children going undiagnosed due to limited access to testing facilities.
Senator Hoylman-Sigal emphasized that many parents cannot afford these diagnostic tests, making it challenging for them to understand why their child may be struggling in school. By mandating private insurers to cover the costs of these tests, the new law aims to alleviate financial barriers for families seeking early intervention and support for dyslexic children.
The passage of this bill marks a significant milestone in addressing the needs of dyslexic students in New York and ensuring that they receive timely and appropriate interventions to help them succeed academically. By increasing access to diagnostic testing, the state is taking a proactive step towards identifying and supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences, ultimately improving their educational outcomes and quality of life.
Source: The NY Times
