Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg's (D-Sacramento) measure to ensure people with autism have access to the medical treatments and therapies they need has been passed by the California Legislature and sent to the Governor for his consideration.
SB 946 mandates health insurance coverage of behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and other prescribed intensive early intervention therapy, for those with autism. The bill also defines the scope of these treatments and eliminates unwarranted restrictions on those who are qualified to provide the treatment.
"Despite promises from health care plans, coverage of ABA services is still being denied," Steinberg said. "While there are many challenges that still need to be overcome, this bill is a huge step in the right direction in giving families a ray of hope that brings light at the end of the tunnel."
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"Many other states have passed varying autism mandates but this bill is unique because there are no caps or limits on the age of recipients or the types of services that will be mandated," Steinberg said.
The rest at
SFGate.
:fistbump: :applause: