Statement by Dr. Andrew Eisen in response to comments made by Sharron Angle regarding Autism
Statement by Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Eisen in response to comments made by Sharron Angle regarding Autism and health insurance
In some recently released video, US Senate Candidate Sharron Angle made some of the most appalling statements about Autism – and healthcare in general – that I have ever heard. Ms. Angle, speaking publicly at a Tea Party rally, indicated that she thought the recent “mandate” regarding insurance coverage for Autism treatment should be repealed. In 2009, the Nevada State Legislature made a tremendous step forward in the care of Nevada’s families with the passage of AB 162, which obligated insurance companies to treat Autism as the medical illness that it is, and prohibiting insurers from denying as “experimental” treatments for this condition like Applied Behavioral Analysis, which has decades of data supporting its efficacy. This callous statement is a shocking insult to the thousands of Nevadans who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorders, which affect more than 1 in 150 children. I would note that representatives from the insurance industry in Nevada were instrumental in the drafting and passage of this landmark legislation.
Even more striking was that Ms. Angle went on to state that since she was not going to have any more children, she should not have to pay for health insurance to cover maternity leave. First, this demonstrates a spectacular lack of understanding of health insurance (which does not pay for maternity leave, but does often cover prenatal care, well-proven to improve pregnancy outcomes, and to save costs of care over the long term). Moreover, the implication is that Ms. Angle believes that insurance companies should not be required to cover the costs of care of any condition that does not affect her personally. For someone asking voters to make her their representative, this is incredibly self-centered.
As a native Nevadan and Pediatrician practicing in this state, I am deeply concerned that the Republican nominee for the US Senate from Nevada would have lost touch with President Lincoln’s characterization of the government as “for the people.” It is the responsibility of government to protect the most vulnerable citizens, and Ms. Angle’s opposition to the courageous efforts of Nevada’s lawmakers to do just that underscores the fact that she does not deserve to represent our great state in the United States Senate.
[These comments reflect my personal views, and do not represent the position of any organization with which I may be affiliated]
Statement by Dr. Andrew Eisen in response to comments made by Sharron Angle regarding Autism
Statement by Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Eisen in response to comments made by Sharron Angle regarding Autism and health insurance
In some recently released video, US Senate Candidate Sharron Angle made some of the most appalling statements about Autism – and healthcare in general – that I have ever heard. Ms. Angle, speaking publicly at a Tea Party rally, indicated that she thought the recent “mandate” regarding insurance coverage for Autism treatment should be repealed. In 2009, the Nevada State Legislature made a tremendous step forward in the care of Nevada’s families with the passage of AB 162, which obligated insurance companies to treat Autism as the medical illness that it is, and prohibiting insurers from denying as “experimental” treatments for this condition like Applied Behavioral Analysis, which has decades of data supporting its efficacy. This callous statement is a shocking insult to the thousands of Nevadans who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorders, which affect more than 1 in 150 children. I would note that representatives from the insurance industry in Nevada were instrumental in the drafting and passage of this landmark legislation.
Even more striking was that Ms. Angle went on to state that since she was not going to have any more children, she should not have to pay for health insurance to cover maternity leave. First, this demonstrates a spectacular lack of understanding of health insurance (which does not pay for maternity leave, but does often cover prenatal care, well-proven to improve pregnancy outcomes, and to save costs of care over the long term). Moreover, the implication is that Ms. Angle believes that insurance companies should not be required to cover the costs of care of any condition that does not affect her personally. For someone asking voters to make her their representative, this is incredibly self-centered.
As a native Nevadan and Pediatrician practicing in this state, I am deeply concerned that the Republican nominee for the US Senate from Nevada would have lost touch with President Lincoln’s characterization of the government as “for the people.” It is the responsibility of government to protect the most vulnerable citizens, and Ms. Angle’s opposition to the courageous efforts of Nevada’s lawmakers to do just that underscores the fact that she does not deserve to represent our great state in the United States Senate.
[These comments reflect my personal views, and do not represent the position of any organization with which I may be affiliated]
