Autism Mandate Halted in Ga.

A bill to mandate autism coverage for some Georgia children looks dead for this year.

Rep. John Meadows, left, and
Rep. Richard Smith, talk during a
hearing at Georgia's State Capitol
on Tuesday.

The chairman of the House Insurance Committee told a group of reporters Monday that he doesn't plan to bring the legislation to a vote, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. State Rep. Richard Smith, R-Columbus, said the bill will not cover enough people.

His comments echo those of Gov. Nathan Deal, who told multiple media outlets earlier this month that the bill unfairly targets small-business owners.

Military Family Fights for Autism Coverage

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A retired airman who dedicated 21 years to the United States Air Force is denied medical coverage for his autisitc five-year-old daughter.
Sara Bryan was diagnosed with autism at age four. The news was devastating to her parents, Jeff Bryan and his wife, Lisa.

Governor Signs R.I. Autism-Insurance Law

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee on Thursday morning held a ceremonial signing of legislation that requires insurers to to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

He was joined by families of, and advocates for, people with autism, as well as Rep. Peter Palumbo, D-Cranston, and Sen. Edward O'Neill, D-Lincoln, the legislation's primary sponsors, for the State House event.

Va. Rule on Therapists' Licensing could Affect Autism Coverage

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- Families of children with autism celebrated the passage of a law earlier this year that would require insurance to cover a costly treatment for the developmental disorder.

But advocates who worked more than a decade for the law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012, were disappointed to find out that an amendment made by the governor could delay a key piece as long as two years.

Autism Insurance Reform Bill Sent to Governor

ALBANY, N.Y. - State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R, Merrick) and Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle (D, Rochester) today announced an agreement between the Legislature and the Governor’s office in support of legislation to enable individuals with autism spectrum disorders to receive insurance coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment. The bill (S.4005-B) would save tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses spent by families caring for individuals with autism and address insurance companies’ refusal to cover costs for autism treatments and therapies.

Autism Spectrum Disorders affect individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys, are currently affected with autism.

The legislation, which has been approved by the Senate and the Assembly and will shortly be sent to the Governor’s office for his signature, requires insurance companies to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including behavioral health treatments, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Insurance companies would be prohibited from terminating coverage or refusing to renew, adjust, amend, issue, or execute a policy solely because the individual has been diagnosed with or received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Insurance Bill Nears Passage

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A measure that would require insurance companies in Rhode Island to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism is nearing final passage.

The House passed the bill Tuesday, and the Senate passed an identical bill last week. The bills need to be reconciled before they go to the governor.

According to a General Assembly news release, the legislation would require private insurers to provide up to $32,000 a year in benefits for medically prescribed behavioral therapies for children with autism, up to the age of 15.

Arkansas House Panel Supports Bill for Autism Coverage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Speech therapist and behavior consultant Dayna Miller cried Tuesday as she told a silent group of Arkansas legislators about selling nearly everything she owned to get treatment for her autistic, 10-year-son.
Miller, who was a factory worker at the time, said her family sold possessions, took out loans and used her mother's savings. When they had used up everything they had, they learned to administer the behavioral treatment for her son Briar on their own.
Now, Briar speaks and reads clearly, plays golf and participates in a program for gifted children. Miller, 39, of Jonesboro, concluded her testimony in support of a bill that would require most health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment for autism by bringing him in front of the committee.