JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State-regulated group insurance policies will be required to provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorders under legislation approved by the Missouri General Assembly on Wednesday. Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles County, supported HB1311 & 1341, which was approved in the House by a vote of 144-16.
The bill would require state-regulated health insurers, which make up approximately 40 percent of the market, to cover autism spectrum disorders. Included in that would be coverage for therapy known as “advanced behavioral analysis”, or ABA. ABA is widely regarded as the most effective method of treating autistic patients. The final version of the bill caps treatment for ABA at $40,000 annually for children up to the age of 18. The cap also includes a three-year Cost of Living Adjustment.
“This is a huge step forward for the many Missouri families struggling to provide care to their autistic children. These life-altering therapies can cost tens of thousands of dollars and many families simply cannot afford them. The bill we passed will give many families the health insurance coverage necessary to obtain these therapies and, as a result, dramatically improve the quality of life for children with autism,” said Smith.
Smith said the bill also includes protections for small businesses in the event their insurance premiums increase dramatically as a result of the legislation. HB 1311 & 1341 would provide an exemption to businesses with 50 or fewer employees that show the mandate increased their premiums by at least 2.5 percent compared to the previous year.
The Missouri Senate also approved HB 1311 & 1341 on Wednesday. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Once signed, the bill will take effect Jan.1, 2011.
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