Politics & Government

Governor To Add Amendments to Autism Bill

Restrictions might impede bill for coverage becoming law.

Virginia Gov. Bob Mc­Don­nell (R) said on Wednesday he will propose amendments to a bill that will require businesses to provide insurance coverage for children with autism.

The bill was passed by the General Assembly last month after 11 years of attempts. However, opponents say the state cannot afford the costs in a tough economic climate.

 The bill was actually two identical bills that were passed by the General Assembly (Sen. Janet Howell of Reston sponsored the senate version). It would require health insurers to pay for applied behavioral analysis therapy, as well as occupational, speech and other services for children 2 to 6 years old.

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It would cap annual costs at $35,000 and apply to businesses that employ more than 50 people and are not self-insured. It also covers state employees.

One amendment would require the Virginia Board of Medicine to license behavior analysts. Another allows for an independent assessment of treatment plans to ensure that the treatment is “justified and effective,” according to The Washington Examiner.

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Another would strike down the entire law if a Virginia court or federal law invalidates the $35,000 annual cap on benefits in the legislation, The Examiner reported.

Twenty-three other states mandate coverage for autism. Parents of children with autism and other advocates have been e-mailing the governor urging him to sign the bill as is written.

The National Federation of Independent Business and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce are among groups opposing the mandate.

 McDonnell hinted at the changes to the bill

"While I am certainly sympathetic to the plight families have to go with with autistic children and the tremendous expense as well as the challenges of making sure these young people have what they need,  I am also concerned with the general cost of health care," he said.

"Creating new mandates in our state, it is a challenging time to do that, so we are trying to balance that a bit."

 Mc­Don­nell has until midnight Tuesday to act on the amendments. Legislators can accept or reject the amendments when they return to Richmond on April 6.


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