New Virginia Law Removes Age Cap On Autism Coverage Under Private Insurance Plans

On March 18, 2019, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, signed Virginia House Bill (HB) 2577 to remove the state’s age cap on autism coverage under private insurance plans. Since 2015, the state has required health plans to cover autism diagnosis and treatment for individuals from age two through age 10. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2019, and the provisions apply to policies, contracts, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, or extended on or after January 1, 2020. It does not apply to the Virginia Medicaid program.

The bill applies to fully insured large employer groups . . .