Senate approves coverage for autism treatments

HELENA – The state Senate approved a bill today that would require insurance companies to cover a range of treatments for children diagnosed with autism. The bill passed 36-14.

Senate Bill 234, sponsored by Sen. Kim Gillan, D-Billings, would compel insurance providers to fund treatments that have been shown to improve the quality of life for autistic children.

The bill, which faced a tough road in the current economic downturn, garnered emotional testimony during its hearings. Parents said they paid for these treatments out of pocket and could hardly afford to do so. Supporters told lawmakers that these treatments can help children assimilate into society at an early age and give them equal footing in the long run.

But opponents said forcing insurance companies to cover these treatments would prove costly because of rate increases. Insurers said a hike in insurance costs could make more Montanans drop their coverage and go uninsured.

SB 234 will move on to the House for approval.

-by CNS correspondent Molly Priddy