By Austin Robertson
CREATED 5:34 PM
Edited news release from Missouri Department of Insurance:
Jefferson City, Mo. A new report from the Missouri Department of Insurance shows that the states autism insurance law continues to benefit families affected by autism while having minimal impact on health care costs. A 2010 law, signed by Gov. Nixon, requires health insurance companies to cover specific autism therapies, including applied behavior analysis. The departments report, released today, says demand for these treatments increased more than 50% in 2012.
Using data supplied by health insurance companies, the report says total insurance claims for autism-related treatments were $6.6 million in 2012. That figure is 52% higher than claims paid in 2011. Still, the number accounts for a small fraction just .16% of total claims paid by health insurers during the year.
In addition to claims for general autism treatment, demand specifically for applied behavior analysis jumped 183 percent from 2011 to 2012.
Missouris new landmark autism insurance law continues to deliver benefits for families impacted by autism, said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. Especially encouraging is the extremely low impact on overall health insurance claims.
Missouri law does not require health insurance companies to submit their rates to the Department of Insurance, but Huff says the overall claims numbers suggest minimal, if any, impact on the premiums consumers pay.
Other noteworthy findings of the departments report:
1.6 million Missourians are covered by a health plan that offers coverage for autism therapy, specifically applied behavior analysis.
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Report: 1.6M Missourians Covered By New Autism Law