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Insurance For Autism Mandated By Senate Bill

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By RUSSELL RAY

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 24, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Watching from the Senate gallery, mothers with autistic children wept as the Florida Senate unanimously approved a bill that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of autism.

Sen. Steve Geller, D-Cooper City, has tried for nine years to pass such legislation only to see his efforts defeated by insurance companies, which argued the bill would drive up premiums.

But Geller said the bill would increase health insurance premiums less than 1 percent, a small price to pay to help the about 5,000 autistic children in Florida. Colleagues on Wednesday named the bill the "Steven Geller Autism Coverage Act" for his long-running effort.

"It is unacceptable that in the wealthiest nation in the world, we tell these children we're going to throw you out," Geller said. "We know how to fix them, and it's unconscionable that up until today we haven't."

Under the bill, large insurance companies must provide coverage for therapies and other treatments for children diagnosed by age 8. The bill excludes insurance plans offered by small employers.

"What my bill would cover is the 55.7 percent of the people that have insurance right now," Geller said. "Is it the ultimate solution? No. But it's a great start."

The House on Tuesday passed a similar plan.

But the House measure provides coverage through the Healthy Kids public/private health insurance program and doesn't provide as much mandated coverage as the Senate plan. House leaders said they will work with the Senate on a plan that both chambers can accept.

"Our bill mandates insurance coverage," Geller said. "Their bill has it largely funded through the state."

Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said the legislation would go a long way in easing the financial and emotional consequences autism has had on so many Florida families and "avoid more expensive treatment and lost opportunities in childhood and adulthood."

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (850) 222-8382 or rray@tampatrib.com.

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