Bill to expand autism coverage fails in ND Senate
The main provision of HB 1434, which was brought to the capital largely through the efforts of a network of parents of autistic children, would have required insurers in the state to provide coverage for applied behavioral analysis, a widely used therapy method for individuals on the autism spectrum which is not currently included under most
Senators voted 16-31 to defeat the proposal after debating the merits of using legislation to mandate coverage that some described as limited or incomplete. The bill was approved by the House last month with a 61-29 vote tally after initially failing to pass by one vote.
"We're feeling a little low today," she said after the
Blues statement
After passing in the House, the proposal had been amended to reflect state requirements that new mandates be tested in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System for two years before being applied to the general insurance market. Many of those who spoke in opposition to the proposal referenced statements made by Blue Cross Blue
Sen.
"Even though some would be covered by the mandate, there are thousands of people who are covered by different health policies than those affected by this bill who would not receive the intended benefits," Lee said.
She characterized the bill as containing language that was "very restrictive" as to which autism service providers are eligible for insurance reimbursement and said the proposal lacked an accountability mechanism, as patient care plan reviews would not have been required. The bill allowed for such reviews to be conducted on an annual basis but did not necessitate them.
Sen.
"They're part of a vulnerable minority who feel they're denied coverage for a legitimate claim," Campbell said.
He added the families who had brought the bill forward weren't sure what to make of the
"Most would rather have a study for PERS for two years than possibly nothing," he said, adding parents would rather "wait and get it right" than end up empty-handed.
"In 45 states so far, nobody has ever covered ABA therapy before a mandate was passed," Campbell testified.
Sticking point
The prospect of a mandate was a major sticking point for Sen.
"Sometimes very good intentions get wrapped up in very bad bills," she said. "We, the government, are going into a private business and forcing them to sell a specific product and sell it only in the way we deem appropriate. Anyone who considers themselves a proponent of private enterprise or the free market should be adamantly against this bill."
Besides the mandate element, Poolman pointed to the
Smith believed it was "hard to know" if
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