Nodler: Autism insurance reform offers hope for Missouri families

In his latest weekly report, Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, writes about pending autism legislation:

A new study recently found that 1 in every 91 children has an autism spectrum disorder, making autism the most prevalent childhood developmental disorder. It is startling then, to find out that autism is the only one of the top 10 childhood neurobiological disorders that is not covered by insurance. This leaves families who have children with autism paying out of pocket for treatments while still paying their insurance premiums. This week, the Senate gave first round approval to Senate Bill 618, a bill that would require health insurance carriers to cover the diagnoses and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Legislature has worked hard in the past to address the needs of the growing number of families in this state dealing with autism. Funding in the state budget to provide resources to families throughout the state and efforts to expand services in local areas are ways that we can lessen the burden on these families.

However, there are families still struggling to make ends meet because they have to pay out of pocket for treatments for their autistic child—even though they are paying insurance premiums. Senate Bill 618 would require coverage of autism diagnosis and treatment, providing meaningful relief to these families.

Another important aspect of this legislation is the inclusion of up to $55,000 in coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) for individuals under the age of 21. This form of treatment uses behavior-based learning to help autistic children learn important fundamentals such as talking, making eye contact, and interacting with others. Psychiatric and medical officials say that this is the most effective treatment for autism, and covering it in this legislation can make a big difference for families throughout the state.

The greatest impact autism treatment can make is during early childhood, and we need to make sure that treatment is available to children in our state. Insuring autism is an issue of fairness, and it is time for insurance companies to provide coverage to those in need.