SB283 Summary

• Requires health benefit plans to offer coverage for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder for children age 9 and under in group policies for employers with at least 51 employees.

• Covers evidence-based treatments including behavioral health treatment, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care prescribed by licensed physicians or psychologists.

• Limits behavioral therapy coverage to a maximum of $36,000 per year, adjusted annually for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index.

• Prohibits denial or refusal of coverage solely based on an autism diagnosis and requires coverage terms no less favorable than those applied to physical illness generally.

• Applies requirements to health maintenance organizations and health care service plans in addition to traditional health insurance plans, effective October 1, 2012.