A new law in Delaware requires that individual health insurance plans provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Legislation being signed by Gov. Jack Markell on Monday requires coverage and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in individuals under 21 years old.
Senate Bill 22 also prohibits insurers from terminating or refusing to renew coverage to an individual solely because the individual or a family member is diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders or has received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
More detail from Autism Speaks:
Sponsored by Senators Liane Sorenson and Catherine Cloutier, S.22 requires up to $36,000 in coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapy. The law takes effect in four months as each state-regulated health plan is renewed or offered.
“Governor Markell has demonstrated leadership on an issue of critical concern to thousands of Delaware families,” said Lorri Unumb, Esq, Autism Speaks vice president for state government affairs. “His leadership is also now being felt nationally as chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) through his support for expanding employment opportunities for the disabled.
