Missouri

Missouri Autism News:

House Speaker Ron Ron Richard Creates Interim Committee to Draft Regulations for Insurance Coverage of Autism

(July 20, 2009) -- Missouri House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, announced the creation of an Interim Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders. This committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and making recommendations on issues pertaining to the regulation of insurance and other matters impacting the lives of those diagnosed with Autism.

Richard named Rep. Dwight Scharnhorst, R-St. Louis, to chair the committee.  In addition to Rep. Scharnhorst, the committee is made up of the following members:

Representative Wayne Cooper, Vice Chairman
Representative Sue Allen
Representative Ron Casey
Representative Mike Colona
Representative Sally Faith
Representative Jeff Grisamore
Representative Denny Hoskins
Representative Tishaura Jones
Representative Shelley Keeney
Representative Michele Kratky
Representative Chris Molendorp
Representative Gina Walsh
Representative Terry Witte

The interim committee will hold hearings in the coming weeks.

Featured Missouri Headlines:

Autism Speaks Joins the Missouri Autism Community In Applauding State Senate Members for Passing Autism Insurance Legislation (April 23, 2009)

Summary of MIssouri Autism Insurance Reform Bills as Introduced During the 2009 State Legislative Session:

Senate Bill 167 - Sponsored by State Senator Scott B. Rupp (R-2)

• Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of  autism spectrum disorder
  
  
• Coverage of treatments will be provided  when prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary
  
  
• The bill provides coverage for individuals under the age of 18
  
  
• The bill includes coverage of the following treatments: Diagnosis, Habilitative or rehabilitative care, Pharmacy care, Psychiatric care, Psychological care, Therapeutic care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  
  
• Coverage for ABA will only be provided until age 15 and will be subject to a maximum benefit of $55,000 per year
  
  
• The bill applies only to fully-funded health plans governed by state and all health plans for state employees
  
  
• If passed, this bill will go into effect in August 2009

House Bill 357 - Sponsored by State Representative Dwight Scharnhorst (R-93)

• Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of  autism spectrum disorder
• Coverage of treatments will be provided  when prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary
  
  
• The bill defines "medically necessary" as any care, treatment, intervention, service, or item that is prescribed, provided, or ordered by a licensed physician or a licenses psychologist that will, or is reasonably expected to
  • prevent the onset of an illness, condition, injury, or disability;
  • reduce or ameliorate the physical, mental, or developmental effects of an illness, condition, injury, or disability; or
  • assist to achieve or maintain maximum functional capacity in performing daily activities, taking into account both the functional capacity of the individual and the functional capacities that are appropriate for individuals of the same age
    
    
• The bill provides coverage for individuals under the age of 21
  
  
• The bill includes coverage of the following treatments: Diagnosis, Habilitative or rehabilitative care, Pharmacy care, Psychiatric care, Psychological care, Therapeutic care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  
  
• Coverage for ABA is subject to a maximum benefit of $72,000 per year for individuals under age 11 and $36,000 per year for individuals between age 11 and 21 
  
  
• The bill applies only to fully-funded health plans governed by state and all health plans for state employees
  
  
• If passed, this bill will go into effect in August 2009