Wisconsin governor asks legislature to require insurance companies to cover autism treatments

From The AP:

MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Jim Doyle called on lawmakers Feb. 3 to pass a bill that would require insurance companies to cover autism treatments.

Most insurance companies don't cover autism because it's classified as an emotional disorder rather than a neurological condition.

About 330 children are on a waiting list for state-run treatment programs, according to the state Department of Health Services.

It typically takes a year to get into a program, agency spokesman Seth Boffeli said. Democrats tried last session to pass a similar bill mandating coverage. It died in the Republican-controlled state Assembly.

But November's elections gave Democrats control the Assembly and Senate. Doyle is a Democrat, which means the bill likely will pass.

A host of lawmakers along with Drew Goldsmith, a 12-year-old autistic boy from Middleton, backed Doyle at a press conference to push the bill.

Doyle said the measure could save money for families paying for autism treatment out-of-pocket and immediately reduce the waiting list for state programs by a third.

"This is a major step forward," Doyle said. "We know with early and appropriate treatment children can show dramatic improvement."

Critics contend such coverage could drive up insurance premiums. A state estimate attached to the bill said premiums for state health insurance could rise as much as $4.45 per month.

The Senate health committee has scheduled a public hearing on the bill Feb. 9.