Andrade Introduces Bill to Expand Families’ Access to Insurance Coverage for Autism

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is supporting new legislation to expand health insurance coverage for children with autism.
“Those suffering from lifelong illnesses should not have their quality of life diminished by being excluded from treatment options under their health insurance,” Andrade said. “Children diagnosed with autism must be given the tools they need to succeed and this includes access to healthcare.”

House Bill 2845 requires Medicaid managed care programs to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder treatment to individuals under 21, including applied behavior analysis and applied behavior analysis therapy. The bill also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage based on an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

“We need to give families the ability to choose the course of action or treatment that works the best for their child and their families,” Andrade said. “This bill will empower families to make those decisions without worrying about the financial burden.”

House Bill 2845 is assigned to the House Mental Health Committee where it awaits further action.