A new state law took effect July 1 that requires insurance companies to pay for autism treatment, in what regulators describe as a reconfirmation of existing law.
Lisa Ackerman, founder of Irvine-based Talk About Curing Autism or TACA, said the law, known as SB 946, builds upon the Mental Health Parity Law, which took effect in 2000.
Andrew Ashline receives 11 hours of in-home Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy per week through Autism Spectrum Therapies (www.autismtherapies.com), a local autism therapy agency. His therapist, Kristen McMurray, is an integral part of an overall intervention program. Using the iPad during sessions has improved Andrew's ability to stay focused and communicate with others.
H. LORREN AU JR., THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
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That law said autism, as well as mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, must receive the same treatment benefits as other kinds of medical conditions. But regulators still found some insurers were denying coverage.
"SB 946 is a natural next step," said Ackerman, whose son has autism. "It gives families more choices for treatment."
Earlier this year, Blue Shield, Health Net and Cigna reached agreements with the state's Department of Insurance after consumer complaints about denial of coverage for a treatment known as applied behavioral analysis. The treatment is a way of teaching children with how to listen, imitate and see the perspective of others.
In 2009, Anthem Blue Cross, the state's second largest insurer, was ordered to stop denying treatment.
State officials said the new law clarifies that behavioral treatment must be covered. Insurers are also required to create an adequate network of autism service providers.
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New state law calls for autism coverage