MO HB2231

Health carriers must provide coverage for early intervention services (speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and assistive technology) for children birth to age three eligible under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with a limit of $3,000 per child per calendar year and a maximum of $9,000 per child.

Early intervention services must be delivered by Missouri-licensed health care professionals acting within their scope of practice and covered under an individualized family service plan.

Health carriers may satisfy their obligations by making a direct annual payment to the Part C early intervention system by January 31st equal to one-half of one percent of direct written premiums (or $500,000, whichever is less), which constitutes full satisfaction of the carrier's obligation for that calendar year.

Coverage for early intervention services shall not be subject to greater deductibles, co-payments, or coinsurance than other similar health care services, and payments shall not be applied against any maximum lifetime aggregate benefits.

If a health benefit plan is found not required to provide coverage due to federal law preemption (including ERISA) or constitutional issues, the lead agency becomes responsible for payment and provision of benefits under this section.