By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-891160.mp3
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – A bill requiring insurance companies to cover specific treatment of autistic children has unanimously cleared the Kentucky House. Louisville Rep. Scott Brinkman, who co-sponsored the legislation, has an adult son with autism.
"We know that if you intervene early, and you intervene intensively - particularly with the applied behavior analysis - you can have a dramatic effect for these children, because their brain's still forming. That's why this benefit for this age group is so critical."
The bill requires insurers to cover up to $50,000 a year of intensive treatments for autistic children ages one through six. A similar bill in the Senate, which does not cap coverage amounts, still awaits action.