Health insurance coverage of treatment for autism spectrum disorders

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

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.

Who's behind it

13 senators are its authors⁠. All 13 are Democrats.

26 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From ETF
• Fiscal Estimate From OCI

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment SSA1-SB3
• LC Amendment Memo