VIDEO: Surviving the System: Autism Insurance - Fox 7 Austin, July 28, 2009
Governor Perry Signs HB 451 into Law Expanding Autism Insurance Coverage Requirements
(June 22, 2009) -- Autism Speaks joins with the Texas autism community in applauding Governor Rick Perry for signing House Bill 451 - a bill expanding the age of mandatory insurance coverage for children with autism.
The existing law, passed in 2007, requires insurance companies to provide coverage of medically necessary autism therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, to children with autism between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Enactment of HB 451 expands this age cap to less than 10 years old.
Summary of HB 451 - as signed into law on June 19, 2009
House Bill 451 - Sponsored by Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen and State Senator Eddie Lucio
All provisions and offerings put forth in HB 1919 remain the same except:
The law requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for individuals with autism who are younger than 10 years old
The law applies only to health plans that are regulated by state law
The law applies to benefit plans new or renewed after January 1, 2010
Summary of Texas Autism Insurance Reform Law:
HB 1919 - Signed into law by Governor Perry on June 15, 2007
Law became effective on January 1, 2008
Includes: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrom, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified
Requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for generally recognized services perscribed in relation to autism spectrum disorder by a primary care physician
To be eligible for coverage, an individual must be older than two years and younger than six years
Coverage for behavioral therapies are subject to a $50,000 maximum per year
Covered services include:
Evaluation and assessment services
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Behavior training and behavior management
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Medication or nutritional supplements used to address symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
