New Hampshire

New Hampshire Autism News:

Autism Speaks Joins the New Hampshire Autism Community in Applauding Governor Lynch for Signing Connor’s Law

New Hampshire Becomes 22nd State to Enact Autism Insurance Reform Legislation

NEW YORK, NY (July 27, 2010) -- Autism Speaks joined New Hampshire families, the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders, the Autism Society of New Hampshire, and other autism advocacy organizations on Friday in applauding Governor John Lynch for enacting House Bill 569, also known as Connor’s Law. This bill requires health insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. HB 569 will go into effect on January 1, 2011.

Connor’s Law requires that a medical professional submit a treatment plan detailing the course of therapy. To be eligible for coverage, ABA therapy must be provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or by someone working under the supervision of such a professional. The bill also includes a $36,000 annual cap on applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) birth to age 12, and $27,000 for youth 13 to 21. Insurance coverage for non ABA related therapies does not have any age limits or monetary caps.

"This is a great day for the thousands of New Hampshire families that had been financially devastated by the lack of insurance coverage for necessary autism therapies," said Peter Bell, Autism Speaks executive vice president of programs and services. “Legislatures across the country have introduced and passed bills that put an end to the discriminatory practices by insurance companies against children with an autism diagnosis. We thank New Hampshire's legislators and Governor Lynch for having the courage to put families and their needs first."... Read more

Autism Speaks Joins the New Hampshire Autism Community in Applauding State Senate Members For Passing Autism Insurance Legislation (May 6, 2010)

Autism Speaks Joins the New Hampshire Autism Community In Applauding State House Passage Of Autism Insurance Reform Legislation (January 6, 2010)

Summary of the New Hampshire Autism Insurance Reform Law - HB 569 (Connor's Law):

Sponsored by Representative Suzanne Butcher

• Amends current mental health parity law to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
  
  
• In order to receive coverage, treatment must be prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary
  
  
• Covered treatments include:
• Professional services and treatment programs, including applied behavioral analysis, necessary to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function. To be eligible for coverage, applied behavior analysis must be provided by a person professionally certified by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board or performed under the supervision of a person professionally certified by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
• Prescribed pharmaceuticals subject to the same terms and conditions of the policy as other prescribed pharmaceuticals.
• Direct or consultative services provided by a licensed professional including a licensed psychiatrist, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, licensed psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker; and
• Services provided by a licensed speech therapist, licensed occupational therapist, or licensed physical therapist.
  
  
• Coverage shall not be denied on the basis that services are habilitative in nature
  
  
• There is a maximum benefit of $36,000 for children ages 0 to 12, and a maximum benefit of $27,000 for children ages 13 to 21
  
  
• An insurer may require a treatment plan stating that the treatment is medically necessary and is consistent with nationally recognized treatment standards
  
  
• The new law does not replace existing services
  
  
• The bill applies only to state regulated insurance plans. It does not apply to self-funded insurance plans, as these plans are regulated by the federal government under ERISA law