Autism coverage bill gets Senate hearing

May 04--MONTGOMERY -- Health insurance companies in Alabama would be required to cover autism-related treatments under a bill debated in Senate committee Thursday.

"It's the right thing to do and the cost is not prohibitive," said Rep. Jim Patterson, R-Meridianville, who sponsored the bill.

Current state law requires companies only to "offer" coverage for autism. Patterson's bill would mandate coverage. The bill passed the House in a unanimous vote, though skeptics have questioned the potential cost to insurers and said it could raise premiums for everyone.

"We provide the benefit today," Robin Stone, a lobbyist for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama, told members of the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee in a Thursday hearing. People who want autism coverage can pay for it, Stone said, but people who don't need it shouldn't have to pay.

"Forty five other states do this," said Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. "I've yet to see anyone go bankrupt because of it."

Ward's daughter, 14-year-old Riley Ward, was among the speakers at the hearing. She said she was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at an early age.

"Kids with autism need this insurance to teach them the skills they need to function later in life," Riley Ward said.

The debate comes as Congress is considering a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, possibly eliminating ACA requirements that pre-existing conditions be covered. Some speakers noted that coverage mandates could be up to the states in the future.

Approval by the committee would send the bill to the full Senate for a vote. Committee members didn't vote on the bill Thursday but are expected to meet again next week.

There are seven meeting days left in the legislative session.

Capitol & statewide reporter Tim Lockette: 256-294-4193. On Twitter @TLockette_Star.

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