Health Insurers in California Now Required to Cover Autism Treatment

California Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed SB 946 into law, which will require health insurers in the state to provide coverage for behavioral health treatment for autistic patients as of July 1, 2012, according to a Central Valley Business Times report.

Health insurers were disappointed with the signing of the bill, saying it sets a precedent for coverage of non-medical services, according to the report. The California Association of Health Plans estimates the bill could drive up healthcare costs for families and businesses by nearly $850 million per year.

However, advocates of the autism treatment say the impact of premiums will be below 1 percent.

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