AB 15

This bill requires health insurance policies and self-insured governmental and

school district health plans to cover the cost of treatment for an insured for autism,

Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified

if the treatment is provided by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker who is

certified or licensed to practice psychotherapy, a paraprofessional working under the

supervision of any of those three types of providers, or a professional working under

the supervision of an outpatient mental health clinic. The coverage requirement

applies to both individual and group health insurance policies and plans, including

defined network plans and cooperative sickness care associations; to health care

plans offered by the state to its employees, including a self-insured plan; and to

self-insured health plans of counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts. The

requirement specifically does not apply to limited-scope benefit plans, medicare

replacement or supplement policies, long-term care policies, or policies covering only

certain specified diseases. The coverage may be subject to any limitations or

exclusions or cost-sharing provisions that apply generally under the policy or plan.