Bill requiring insurance for autism heads to Senate floor

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A bill heading to the Oklahoma Senate floor would require insurance companies to cover the treatment of autistic children.

The Tulsa World reports that the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the bill Wednesday with a 36-3 vote. The measure would require coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children younger than 9 years old.

According to the measure, coverage shall be provided for at least six years if the person isn’t diagnosed or treated until after the age of 3. The child would have to show sufficient progress and improvement determined by the health-care provider in order to receive the coverage.

The bill would limit coverage to no more than $25,000 a year and 25 hours per week.