In the United States, 1 in 200 children are affected by PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorder) and PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus), a disease primarily affecting children in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain resulting in tics and OCD-like symptoms. Treatments for this disease usually involve a hospital stay (approx. $11,000/night without insurance), therapy, and antibiotics, which many people cannot afford without insurance. Sadly, just 14 states have taken action against this disease, and only 7 have laws requiring health insurers to cover treatment. Nebraska is one of the other 36. For families dealing with these syndromes in Nebraska, they are forced to either battle with health insurers refusing treatment or pay out of pocket, which can cost multiple tens of thousands of dollars. This bill, needless to say, is devastating for most families. 

I and many others believe that these conditions should be required by law to be covered by health insurers so Nebraskan families can focus on supporting their children instead of paying the bills.