Alaska

Alaska Autism News:

Autism Speaks Endorses Alaska Autism Insurance Reform Bill (March 19, 2009)

Summary of Autism Insurance Reform Bill:

House Bill 187 - Sponsored by State Representative Pete Petersen (D-19)

• 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
  
  
• Coverage will be subject to an inflation adjusted maximum benefit of $36,000 per year 
  
  
• 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 law
  
  
• If passed, this bill will go into effect immediately