Massachusetts House Bill 984: Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism

January 13, 2009 House Bill 984 requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. An age limitation was not stated. The annual maximum benefit must match that provided by the policy for physical conditions. Treatments must be prescribed, provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary. Coverage includes: habilitative or rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, therapeutic care, and ABA. If approved as proposed, the provisions would take effect on January 1 . . .