PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Parents of children with autism are protesting new rules that took effect today in Pennsylvania, which will require parents at certain income levels to partially pay for services that used to be free.

Nicki Gratton, of Plum, is one of them. She has three children. Jeremy has cerebral palsy and Riley has pervasive developmental disorder, which is a type of autism.

Gratton told KDKA-TVs Dr. Maria Simbra that three home visits per week to help her with her childrens behavior issues have been a God-send.

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare used to provide these services at no charge for 48,000 children with mental and physical disabilities.

However, families earning more than $45,000 a year will now have to pay co-pays ranging from $1 to $3 per service. Items such as medical equipment, physical, occupational and speech therapy and outpatient services are exempt.

Cathy Hughes with Family Behavioral Resources, which provides services now subject to co-pays, said the change could be devastating.

Im taking calls and e-mails night and day from families that are going to pay between $400 to $700 a month and theyre going to have to make huge sacrifices, Hughes said.

She also worries about her agency and others having to lay off staff, or parents quitting their jobs so they fall under the poverty level and qualify for free services.

Welfare Secretary Gary Anderson said adding the co-pays was necessary to keep services afloat.

Were growing in the department at eight percent a year, and state revenues are only growing at two percent. In order for us to be able to sustain it for the long haul, the families need to start to pay something for their health care, said Anderson.

See more here:
New Autism Care Rules Require Some To Pay For Once Free Services