States tackle autism, insurance questions
January 30th, 2008Reports from all over:
Seattle Times endorses insurance coverage for autism treatments.
The autism task force, created by the Legislature two years ago, has developed a knowledgeable and realistic road map focusing on issues of access and affordability for families with an autistic child. Its recommendations are doable. For starters, insurance companies ought to cover proven treatments for autism. Only two insurers in the state currently do so. That is unacceptable.
San Jose [CA] Mercury News op-ed: Legislators “must be clear that autism-specific insurance coverage must be mandated so that all health plans and insurers provide a full range of services.”
Tucson Citizen: Bill would require health insurance plans to cover treatment of children with autism-related disorders.
Regena Frieden, a spokeswoman for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, said the insurer is reviewing the bill and hasn’t taken a position. She said the company usually opposes legislative mandates because they raise costs.
Charleston, West Virginia, Daily Mail: Bill would mandate health insurance companies to provide coverage for detection and treatment of autism.
Mark Polen, [lobbyist] for Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield, said mandated benefits for autism would likely increase costs for all subscribers.
… “There’s not a clear-cut way to diagnose and treat the problem,” he added. “The way the bill is constructed, it looks almost like there’s an experimental, unlimited requirement for benefits to be paid. That’s very concerning from a cost-perspective.”
Associated Press: Alabama autism task force finds growing numbers, says state needs organized plan. Among its recommendations: encouraging public and private health insurance providers to cover evaluation and treatment for autism.
Edmund [Oklahoma] Sun: Proposed legislation would provide insurance coverage for autism and medications.
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