Autism Insurance

Autism insurance bill moves forward in Senate

(ST JOE NEWS) - One in 110 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism, but health insurance companies in Missouri do not routinely provide coverage for the disorder.

That could change, if some Missouri legislators have their way. On Wednesday, the state Senate gave initial approval to a bill that would require health insurance companies to provide autism coverage to employees covered under a company’s heath insurance.

State Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, has been seeking to make health insurance providers provide treatment and early diagnosis for autism. He sponsored the bill that would allow individuals under the age of 21, under certain conditions, up to $55,000 in coverage per year.

“Sen. Rupp is a hero to those of us who are directly impacted by autism,” said Jamie Bachman, president of the Autism Alliance of

Northwest Missouri. “I stand in amazement at his knowledge and commitment to Missouri’s children, especially considering that he has absolutely no ties to autism.”

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