Mississippi lawmakers are pushing bills that would require insurance companies to offer coverage for autism screening, diagnosis and treatment on health plans sold in the state.
![Autism Insurance Proposals Advancing in Legislature Autism Insurance Proposals Advancing in Legislature](https://images.medindia.net/health-images/1200_1000/autism1.jpg)
Sen. Will Longwitz, R-Madison, said autism treatment can cost thousands of dollars a month, and many families can’t afford services their children need. He said 38 states already require insurance companies to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorder, a group of developmental disorders that affect communication, behavior and social interaction.
Opponents said Mississippi should not require insurance companies to cover specific services. They said if the free market creates a demand, companies will make their own decisions to offer autism coverage without a government mandate.
Source-Medindia