SB164 Summary

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

• Defines covered 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 starting January 1, 2014, based on Consumer Price Index changes.

• Prohibits insurers from denying coverage, refusing to contract, or terminating coverage solely due to an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.

• Effective October 1, 2016, and applies to amendments of Sections 10A-20-6.16, 27-21A-23, and 27-54A-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975.