AUTISM INSURANCE Legislature Facing Another Debate Over Insurance Coverage For Kids With Autism
Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: Matt Durrett
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: Feb. 13, 2012 5:31 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 13, 2012 7:39 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
Moms and dads...along with their children who have been diagnosed with autism, say the state needs to fix a law designed to help them.
They want to clarify a law requiring public and private insurers to cover treatment for autism-related disorders.
Insurance companies say the measure caps all benefits at 30-thousand dollars annually. But lawmakers say that was never its intent...that the cap only applies to a particular type of treatment.
The bill was finalized in the waning hours of the 2011 session. Legislators say that led to its ambiguous language and differing interpretations.
Family members say if the law isn't changed, insurance companies will use it to limit coverage...and stop the treatment their children desperately need.
The Autism Fix Bill is expected to be introducted in the House of Delegates, where it is expected to have an easier road to passage than it faces in the State Senate.
W.Va. girl who refused vaccines marches with class May 24, 2013 4:46 PM EDT A Randolph County girl who was banned from attending school after refusing to get state-mandated vaccinations will take part in her graduation ceremony.
Ohio kidnap case hero not endorsing free burgers May 24, 2013 8:38 PM EDT A man who put aside his Big Mac to help rescue three women held captive in a Cleveland house says he's not endorsing a group of restaurants offering him free burgers for life.
Kennie Bass
