A state lawmaker wants to mandate coverage of Autism treatments by insurance companies.
The proposal would require health insurance to cover therapy for children with Autism. State Senator Judy Robson (D-Beloit) says many of those companies currently aren't providing the coverage families need to pay for the often expensive treatments. As a result, she says many children aren't getting the help they need.
Robson says it's vital for lawmakers to act quickly on the bill because early intervention is vital to helping those children normalize, so they can go to regular school classrooms.
Assembly Republicans defeated a similar proposal last session, arguing the state should just increase funding for a waiver program that helps families pay for treatment. Robson says that argument is not likely to go far this time, with the state facing a $5.4 billion budget deficit next year.
Now that Democrats control the Legislature, Robson is confident the bill can pass this time. The governor has already marked it as one of his top priorities next session.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :52)
