Senate Bill 2654 was signed into law in 2008, and included a provision requiring large group insurance and HMO plans to include coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorders beginning April 1, 2009. This coverage will be included for new large groups (51+) with effective dates on or after April 1, 2009. For existing large groups, the coverage is effective on renewals that occur on or after April 1, 2009.

This Autism Spectrum Disorder coverage includes a $36,000 annual benefit maximum and a $200,000 lifetime benefit maximum. These services can be covered for children who were diagnosed as having a developmental disability at age 8 or younger and are either:

• Under 18 years old; or
• Over age 18, and still in high school

The impact to rates will vary for each medical and pharmacy plan combination, and may range from 0.3% to 2.6%.