Bill Would Mandate Coverage of Autism Treatments for Kids
A bill (SB 166), by Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), would require health insurers to cover certain early-prevention treatments for children with autism. Steinberg said he anticipates some industry pushback, noting, "We expect some controversy, and that's OK. (Opponents) will make the argument that the additional mandate will cost the policyholders some additional money." However, he added, "There's that old notion of investing a little now to save a lot of money later."
- "Bill Would Require Coverage of Autism Intervention by Health Care Providers" (Frampton, ABC News 10, 4/9).