Autism Insurance Bill Introduced in Louisiana

[SnAaTtIc]

Legislation has been introduced in Louisiana to require insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The bill has been introduced by State Representative Franklin Foil (R-70) of Baton Rouge. The bill would require Louisiana healthcare policies to cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured’s treating physician with annual coverage for up to $50,000 a year. The Louisiana Session will kick off on Monday, March 31 and residents of that state will have a tight turnaround of fewer than 90 days to push this bill through both chambers to Governor Bobby Jindal’s desk for signature. 

Summary of LA Legislation

HB 958 -

• Requires health insurance coverage from a group health insurance plan, a self-insurance plan, or the Office of Group Benefits programs to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
  
  
• Coverage applies to individuals under 21 years old
  
  
• Coverage is not subject to limits on the number of visits an individual may make to an autism services provider
  
  
• Coverage is subject to a maximum benefit of $50,000 per year (adjusted for inflation on an annual basis)
  
    
• Coverage is required for treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including:
  • Habilitative or rehabilitative care
  • Pharmacy care
  • Psychiatric care
  • Psychological care
  • Theraputic care
    
    
• Law does not apply to an employeer with 50 or fewer employees

Louisiana News

Autism Insurance Bill Introduced in Louisiana

(Baton Rouge, LA - March 28, 2008) Legislation has been introduced in Louisiana to require insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The bill has been introduced by State Representative Franklin Foil (R-70) of Baton Rouge. The bill would require Louisiana healthcare policies to cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician with annual coverage for up to $50,000 a year. The Louisiana Session will kick off on Monday, March 31 and residents of that state will have a tight turnaround of fewer than 90 days to push this bill through both chambers to Governor Bobby Jindal's desk for signature.  

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[SnAaTtIc]

Mar. 31, 2008 at 11:34 AM Post updated as well as links!

(Original Poster)