A push to require expanded autism insurance coverage in Iowa is growing.
A bill introduced in the state Senate would require some insurance companies to cover behavioral analysis coverage for autistic Iowans who are not already covered by Medicaid or the state employees’ healthcare plan, the Globe Gazette reports.
The bill, which advanced Wednesday, would attempt to fill any gaps left by those programs by requiring insurers of businesses with more than 50 employees to offer the coverage.
Roughly 3,000 Iowa residents receive autism services under the health insurance plan, though no one knows how many people the new mandate will affect.
Lobbyists for the industry are opposing the bill, saying it would not apply to large businesses that fund their own health insurance plans and are regulated by the federal government.
Paula Dierenfeld of the Iowa Federation of Insurers added that the organization has not embraced included behavioral analysis coverage because “it’s not a proven therapy,” though those in the healthcare industry disagreed.
“We have seen when coverage is provided that it does improve the quality of life of folks living with autism,” Threase Harms, a lobbyist speaking before the Senate, said.
Another opponent, a representative with the Iowa Association of Business Industry, said the legislation would require all employees to pay out for a benefit that is only needed by a small number.
The Senate advanced the bill, which will be heard by the Senate Commerce Committee. A duplicate bill has been introduced in the House, though no such plans for a hearing yet exist.
