Issue Position: Autism Insurance Reform

Issue Position

One in 91 children born today will be diagnosed with autism, but out of the top 10 neurobiological conditions, autism was the only one specifically excluded from insurance coverage. However, thanks to Senator Schmitt's leadership and dedication, legislation was passed in 2010 leading the way to change.

In 2009, the Senate passed legislation providing for insurance reform, but when time ran out in the House of Representatives, Sen. Schmitt took action, organizing rallies across Missouri, drawing thousands and building unstoppable grassroots support for the legislation--effectively paving the way for its passage. In 2010, Sen. Schmitt's hard work and passion paid off. House Bill 1311, a dream of so many families before, became a reality with an overwhelming bipartisan vote.

The required insurance coverage will include a physician or psychiatrist's referral of ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapy--up to $40,000 per year for those 18 years of age and younger. A cost-of-living adjustment has been included to adjust the cap for therapy services in future years. Actuarial studies estimate the cost of offering this life-changing therapy--often the difference between a child being invited to a birthday party, a dad being able to take his son to a baseball game, a mom being able to take her daughter to a movie, or a family being able to go to a restaurant without having to leave before the meal is over--is an increase in premiums of less than 1%.

Hard-working families across Missouri pay for insurance their entire lives and when their child is diagnosed with autism, coverage will be there when they need it most. Autism insurance reform will allow children on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential and provide real hope and opportunity for thousands of Missouri families and generations of Missouri's children. For more information, contact the Missouri Dept. of Insurance at their hotline number 1-800-726-7390 or visit their website.

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