AP/Washington Post:

Autism advocates are working across the country to pass legislation that would require health insurers to cover intensive and costly behavior therapy for autism.

Six states have passed such laws over the past two years. Advocacy group Autism speaks has endorsed bills in New Jersey, Virginia and Michigan. Similar measures will be under consideration in more than ten states next year, including New York, California and Ohio.

“This is the hottest trend in mandates we’ve seen in a long time,” said J.P. Wieske, a lobbyist for an insurance coalition that argues that these state requirements drive up insurance costs for everyone. “It is hard to fight them.”

Families want to see funding for applied behavior analysis (ABA), a system of structured interactions that they believe helps kids learn. Experts say research results on the method are mixed.

See also: A look at state laws forcing autism coverage — AP/Chicago Tribune

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