New IL law expands insurance coverage for kids with disabilities
April 16th, 2009Judith Graham writes in the the Chicago Tribune Triage blog that a new Illinois law will require insurance companies to provide “habilitative” therapies for youngsters with developmental disabilities to gain new skills. Previously, coverage was limited to children receiving “rehabilitative” therapies to recover lost skills.
Coverage will be extended to children with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disorders. The law will require insurers to pay for speech, physical and occupational therapies for such children up to the age of 19.
Similar laws are on the books in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Illinois measure will take effect on Jan. 1, 2010.
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