Several pieces of legislation at the State Capitol could have an impact on how children with autism receive health care coverage.
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) is one of four law state lawmakers who have an autism-related bill circulating in this legislative session.
Steinberg has sponsored two bills relating to autism, one of which is Senate Bill 166. It would require health care providers to cover some early-intervention treatments for children with autism.
"On a case by case basis, some insurance companies are covering it, and some are not," said Steinberg.
He argued that early intervention and treatment for children with autism is more effective, and has greater long-term impacts, than treatment which begins at a later age.
"There's that old notion of investing a little bit now to save a lot of money later," said Steinberg. "I think that applies not only to government, but to healthcare companies as well."
Saturday, April 9, 2011
California Mandate Has an Important Sponsor
Sacramento's KXTV, Will Frampton reports:
