Mississippi

Summary of Mississippi Legislation

House Bill 720 - Sponsored by State Representative Noal Akins (R-12)

• Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of  autism spectrum disorder
  
  
• Coverage will be provided to individuals under the age of 21
  
  
• Coverage under this bill is subject to an inflation adjusted maximum benefit of $50,000 annually
  
  
• 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 includes coverage of the following treatments: Diagnosis, Habilitative or rehabilitative care, Pharmacy care, Psychiatric care, Psychological care, Therapeutic care, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  
  
• 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 applies only to fully-funded health plans governed by state and to the state and school employees health insurance plan
  
  
• If passed, this bill will take effect on October 1, 2009

Mississippi News

Autism Insurance Reform Bill Introduced in Mississippi 

Jackson, MS (January 19, 2009) –Last week, an autism insurance reform bill has been introduced in the Mississippi State legislature. House Bill 720, sponsored by State Representative Noal Akins (R-12) will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. HB 720 will cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist.  Coverage for autism treatments and therapies shall be subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 annually through age 21.

There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills. HB 720 has been referred to both the House Insurance Committee and the Appropriations Committee and is awaiting a hearing in both committees.

• Comment on this news!