Insurance companies will begin covering autism services next January for a limited number of children in Kansas. A bill mandating such coverage has been signed into law by Gov. Sam Brownback.
“So I am pleased to sign this bill today, expanding coverage for autism. This is an important moment for families that deal with the challenges of an autistic family member, and it’s important that we do this as a society," the governor said.
For 2015, the law will only apply to large-group policies, with approximately 250 kids gaining coverage. The following year, another 750 kids will be covered through individual and small group policies that are grandfathered under the Affordable Care Act.
“These are medically-necessary treatments. These are prescribed by our doctors, and that’s what our health insurance is for," said Michael Wasmer, who has a daughter with autism.
State Rep. John Rubin, of Shawnee, hopes the limitations put on the bill to get it through the House and Senate can be removed in the future
“It is my fervent hope that we’ll be able to continue to work until we get this coverage extended to everyone who has a child in this state with autism, but this is a monumental step forward," he said.