Insurance Mandate Stalls in Virginia

The Star-Tribune reports on stalled autism insurance legislation in Virginia. Limited legislation passed the Senate but a House committee tabled it.

Autism insurance advocates are frustrated that the General Assembly has rejected both comprehensive coverage and more-limited coverage.

"I don't know what we can do about that other than shine the light of day on it and say, 'We've done everything we possibly can to accommodate your concerns about this bill,'" Champion said.

"The question is, What bill would they pass?"

According to Autism Speaks, autism affects more than 1.5 million Americans, including 75,000 Virginians.

The group's Web site said that last week, Iowa, Kansas and Kentucky all passed autism insurance reform bills. As a result, 18 states now require health insurance companies to provide coverage for autism treatment.