In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would mandate that all private health insurance policies cover neuropsychological exams for the purpose of diagnosing dyslexia.
 
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. It is referred to as a learning disability because it can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically without evidence-based instruction.
 
Currently in Pennsylvania, testing used to diagnose dyslexia is not usually covered by medical insurance and parents pay thousands of dollars and often go out of state to get these assessments. According to the International Dyslexia Association of Pennsylvania, it is estimated that more than 40 million people in the United States have Dyslexia, but only about 2 million have been diagnosed. 
 
This bill, modeled after a recently enacted New York state law, would amend the Insurance Company Act of 1921 to require that every health insurance policy offered, issued, or renewed in the Commonwealth provide coverage for comprehensive neuropsychological exams that diagnose dyslexia. These specialized exams can cost up to $10,000, are different from the testing provided by school districts, and may be required for parents to request services from schools for suspected dyslexic students. In many cases, children go undiagnosed because of a lack of access to testing.
 
This legislation was brought to my attention by parents of dyslexic students in my Senate district who understand the challenges faced by so many families across the Commonwealth. This bill could help increase early diagnoses of dyslexia and other learning differences to ensure that all students have a chance to learn and succeed in our schools.  
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to ensure all Pennsylvania students have an opportunity to learn and thrive in our schools.