The Assembly Health Committee early this evening gave final approval to AB 171 by Assemblymember Jim Beall, Jr. (Democrat – San Jose) that would require health plans and health insurers to cover screening, diagnosis and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorders that they currently do not cover. The bill, which received 12 “aye” votes in the Assembly Health Committee, now heads next to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The measure could have major impact on California’s budget crisis by requiring insurance companies and health plans to pay for services and therapies currently paid for with state and federal funds through the 21 regional centers that serve children with developmental disabilities that include persons with autism spectrum disorders.
The bill was heard earlier this afternoon, but lacked sufficient votes for passage (as did several other bills) when an initial roll call vote was taken. Final votes were taken just before the committee adjourned early this evening.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
CA Mandate Bill Moves in Committee
Earlier posts dealt with AB 171, the California insurance mandate bill. Marty Omoto writes at CDCAN:
