AK SB250

Health care insurers in Alaska must provide coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, excluding fraternal benefit societies.

Coverage applies only to individuals under 21 years of age with a maximum annual benefit of $36,000, adjusted yearly by the Consumer Price Index starting January 1, 2012.

Treatment must be prescribed by a licensed physician or psychologist and provided by a qualified autism service provider, including pharmacy, psychiatric, psychological, rehabilitative, and therapeutic care.

Insurers cannot limit the number of visits to autism service providers and cannot terminate or refuse coverage based on an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

The bill applies to health insurance policies offered, issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2011, and takes effect immediately.