New law requires health insurers to cover autism disorders

September 29, 2006

Insurers in New York state cannot deny health insurance benefits because claimants have received a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders under a bill signed into law by Gov. George Pataki.

The new provision covers all health policies issued, renewed, modified or amended after Jan. 1, 2007. Legislators sponsored the measure after complaints were received that some consumers were having insurance coverage denied for such services as speech therapy and magnetic imaging tests.

Autism spectrum disorders cover a range of life-long conditions that affect a person's ability to interact and communicate with others. The impact on families with people suffering from the disorders can be especially devastating, medical experts say.

"Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impacts the families of affected individuals almost as much as those who have autism themselves," state Insurance Superintendent Howard Mills said.

According to Mills, the department has always interpreted state law as prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on diagnoses of medical conditions.

"We know how important it is for those with autism spectrum disorders and their families to see this clearly spelled out," Mill said.

One out of every 166 children will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

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