MS HB769

Removes the age limitation requirement that prohibited health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorder treatment beyond age 8, making coverage available to individuals of all ages.

Requires health insurance policies to cover screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including behavioral health treatment, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care.

Limits applied behavior analysis coverage to 25 hours per week maximum, with no more than 10 hours per week provided directly by a licensed behavior analyst, though extensions may be approved if medical necessity is demonstrated.

Prohibits insurers from terminating coverage or refusing to issue policies to individuals solely because they are diagnosed with or have received treatment for autism spectrum disorder.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.