The Autism Insurance Act (Act 62 of 2008) is a new state law that requires certain health insurance policies to cover a range of treatment services, including Applied Behavior Analysis, for persons under 21 with autism spectrum disorders. The Act applies to employer sponsored group policies of 51 covered employees or more as well as CHIP and Medical Assistance. It does not apply to health insurance policies that are funded entirely by the employer, also known as “self-funded” plans. For families enrolled in Medical Assistance, co-pays and deductibles will be covered just as they are for physical health services. The Act goes into effect on the annual renewal date of the health insurance policy on or after July 1, 2009.
For more information and updates regarding the Autism Insurance Act, including scheduled information sessions, family and provider resources, and updates on the licensing process for Behavior Specialists, please visit the PA Autism Insurance Act website.
The Department of Public Welfare, Pennsylvania Insurance Department, and the Department of State are working together to successfully implement the Autism Insurance Act. Contact them with your questions, comments, and requests at ra-in-autism@state.pa.us.
Additional Resources:
- Does the PA Autism Insurance Act Apply to My Child?
- Read the Act (Autism provisions begin on page 5, line 17)
