New bills in the Mississippi Senate require insurance coverage for autism

New bills in the Mississippi Senate require insurance coverage for autism

Mississippi Senate bills will require insurers to offer coverage for autism treatment

Being born with autism is challenging. The situation is also a challenge for parents of children with autism. It can become an almost insurmountable challenge if the parents' health insurance does not cover autism treatment. Most U.S. states have already adopted policies that require health insurance companies to provide some coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.

Health insurance for autism treatment varies in each state

However, these laws vary by state. Some states limit the amount that can be spent on a single child per year or for life. Some states provide more money for the treatment of younger children than older ones. Others require a child to be diagnosed by age eight to cover autism. As one can easily see, many of these state laws could use some improvement. The toughest battle, however, is battling states that do not require coverage for children with autism.

Unfortunately, Mississippi is one such state. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Two bills have been introduced in Mississippi that would require Mississippi health insurers to cover autism screening, diagnosis and treatment for children affected by autism up to age 21.

The current drive for Mississippi to complete autism treatment

Although Mississippi lawmakers have voted on similar bills, they have not passed any of them. This time, however, the state's autism community may have a better chance of giving insurers a mandate to cover autism screening procedures, diagnosis and treatment. Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has a three-year-old grandson with autism. His personal experience with autism may help convince his colleagues of the need for effective treatment of the condition.

Additionally, more advocacy organizations in the autism community have become more involved in the fight this year. Autism Speaks and other organizations have openly supported these laws. In a state with an estimated 10,000 autistic children, this collaborative effort is urgently needed.

If these laws are passed, the state will require companies that offer health insurance to provide screening, diagnosis and treatment for children with autism by the age of 21. In addition to pharmaceutical care, psychiatric and psychological care is also covered. Up to 25 hours of Applied Behavior Analysis, a well-documented and effective treatment method proven to help children with autism succeed in adulthood, are also covered.

The bills will create an oversight process to help children with autism receive quality care. A state autism board will be established to grant and revoke licenses for applied behavior analysis practitioners. They will also regulate the licensing of autism treatment professionals and check for violations.

Without insurance, it is difficult to get help for autism

Without insurance, caring for a child with autism is a difficult journey. Parents have gone to extreme lengths to get the treatment they need. Part-time jobs can prevent parents from needing downtime or family time, but the need for treatment is so great that parents are willing to do whatever it takes to get their children the help they need.

Autism insurance coverage is a long-term investment in Mississippi’s future

Some Mississippi lawmakers may be concerned about the cost of autism coverage for the state's children. This short-sighted thinking ignores the long-term financial benefit of autism coverage. According to a 2007 study conducted in the nearby state of Texas, early behavioral treatment for autism can save $208,500 for each child over 18 years of education. University of Southern Mississippi assistant professor Dr. Keith Radley, brought the Texas study to the attention of frugal Mississippians in hopes that they would take a long-term approach to the financial benefits of passing the laws.

Even the most conservative estimates show there are at least 4,500 children with autism spectrum disorder in the state. With just that number of children, the state could save $935 million just by passing the law requiring insurance coverage for early behavioral interventions. These numbers come not from autism advocates, but from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).

More importantly, the treatment can have a positive impact on the state's children affected by autism. With this help, they can realize their great potential, enroll in universities and vocational schools, and contribute to the vast talent pool of America's workforce.

Inspired by Paul Napier, MA, BCBA