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Proposal Would Require Insurance Companies To Cover Autism Treatment

Rep. Scott Brinkman, R-Louisville, debates a bill up for consideration in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Kentucky Legislative Research Commission
Rep. Scott Brinkman, R-Louisville, debates a bill up for consideration in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

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.