Coverage for autism spectrum disorders

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  • (a) After the effective date of this subchapter, a health care insurer that offers, issues for delivery, delivers, executes, adjusts, uses, or renews a health care insurance plan shall provide coverage for the costs of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders that are medically necessary and evidence-based.

  • (b) Coverage required in health care insurance plans by this section must include treatment prescribed, identified and ordered by a licensed physician, psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker for an insured who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in accordance with a treatment plan developed by licensed physician, licensed psychologist or licensed clinical social worker pursuant to a comprehensive evaluation or re-evaluation of the insured.

  • (c) Covered treatment must include:

    • (1) Behavioral therapy, including applied behavioural analysis in the school, home, community, and office settings;

    • (2) Direct psychiatric or consultative services provided by a licensed psychiatrist;

    • (3) Direct psychological or consultative services provided by a licensed psychologist;

    • (4) Physical therapy provided by a licensed physical therapist in the school, home, community, and office;

    • (5) Speech and language pathology services provided by a licensed speech and language pathologist;

    • (6) Occupational therapy provided by a licensed occupational therapist in the school, home, community, and office;

    • (7) Prescription drugs, to the extent prescription drugs are a covered benefit for other diseases and conditions under such policy, prescribed by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse for the treatment of symptoms and comorbidities of autism spectrum disorders; and

    • (8) Equipment determined necessary to provide evidence-based treatment.


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