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Texas
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Texas Autism News:
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.
Featured Texas Headlines:
Texas Governor Signs Autism Insurance Bill Into Law (June 15, 2007)
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.
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Bill History:
June 19, 2009: Governor Rick Perry signs enrolled version of HB 451 into law!
May 31, 2009: House and Senate pass Conference Committee amended version of HB 451. Bill is sent to the governor for signature into law
May 30, 2009: Conference Committee files its amended version of HB 451
May 29, 2009: The House refuses to concur with the Senate's amended version of HB 451. Conference Committee requested.
May 28, 2009: Senate passes amended version of HB 451. The bill heads back to the House for concurrence.
May 23, 2009: Senate State Affairs Committee passes HB 451. Bill moves to the Senate floor.
May 21, 2009: Senate State Affairs Committee holds hearing on HB 451.
May 15, 2009: House passes HB 451 in a vote of 142 - 2. The bill heads over to the Senate State Affairs Committee.
May 5, 2009: House Insurance Committee passes amended version of HB 451. The bill moves on to the House floor.
April 14, 2009: House Insurance Committee holds hearing on HB 451. No vote is held.
February 18, 2009: HB 451 referred to House Insurance Committee.
December 19, 2008: Bill to extend the age limit for autism insurance reform law, House Bill 451, intorduced.
January 1, 2008: HB 1919 goes into effect.
June 15, 2007: Autism insurance reform bill, HB 1919, signed into law by Governor Perry.
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