HARRISBURG - Legislation requiring insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders has passed the House and Senate and will soon be signed into law, according to Rep. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe), a co-sponsor of the bill.

"The best-case scenario for children with autism is to diagnose the condition and treat it early," said Scavello. "Often, what happens now is parents don't have the resources to obtain a diagnosis early enough, and crucial months or years elapse without the situation being addressed. With this new law, parents will have access to health insurance coverage that will give their children the treatment they need."

Autism is a neurological disorder affecting brain function, which can restrict a child's abilities to learn, communicate and interact. It is estimated that one in 150 children in the United States is affected by some type of autism spectrum disorder. 

The autism insurance coverage bill will give children under the age of 21 and their parents greater access to services and treatments. The new law will require most health insurance policies, adultBasic, Medical Assistance, and CHIP to offer coverage for autism spectrum disorder treatments.

Coverage will be capped at $36,000 per year, with no lifetime cap. The bill creates an expedited appeals process for denied claims to further protect children with autism and their families.
           
"House Bill 1150 makes Pennsylvania a national leader in parental accessibility to insurance coverage for their children," said Scavello. "These children can now be diagnosed earlier and begin treatments for autism sooner, enhancing the quality of life of thousands of children."
           
Once enacted into law, the autism provisions will go into effect immediately. The measure also contains a provision for insuring insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening. That section goes into effect 60 days after the bill is signed.