N.D. insurers begin autism therapy coverage
House Bill 1434 would have required insurance companies in the state to provide coverage for applied behavior analysis, a specific treatment often used to address the behavioral symptoms associated with autism and other disorders. Before this year, that therapy went uncovered by insurance plans used by most state residents, causing many parents to pay bills out of pocket--a condition HB1434 sought to remedy.
However, before the proposal's defeat in the state
Representatives from both companies said Friday they have yet to have ABA services billed to them, a status none found surprising given the recent nature of the development. As with any health insurance benefit, customers should call ahead to their provider to see what's covered, if not touch base with a human resources representative at their place of work.
"What we did was study maximum benefit plans written into other states, and these are in line with mandated benefits in
The coverage extended by BCBSND differs from Sanford in that there are no tiers on age group or benefit maximums, said
Large group plans, those that apply to organizations of 51 people or more, began their cycle on
As such, Piscione said the full timeline for renewal of
But providing ABA benefits isn't totally foreign to the state branch of the Blues. Walsh said the company's coverage of federal employees has provided ABA benefits for about a year now, so corporate planners had a ready template on which to mirror the statewide option.
However, the addition of ABA coverage options to the wider pool doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will see the benefit added to their own health insurance plan.
"For certain lines, it's automatically being added as groups renew," Piscione said, "and for other lines of business, the group has the option available if they want to select a plan that has that coverage--so it's really up to the group if they want to add."
That means individual organizations can have leeway in choosing whether they want to pick a plan for employees that includes ABA benefits.
Pisciano didn't know offhand how many employers were in each category, meaning individuals should check to see if their plan will include ABA coverage.
___
(c)2018 the Grand Forks Herald (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Visit the Grand Forks Herald (Grand Forks, N.D.) at www.grandforksherald.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Crash causes $30K in damage to Derry municipal building
Flu cases drop slightly in region, state
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News