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Autism Insurance Requirements Signed Into Law

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - With the hope that early diagnosis and treatment of autism will lead to better lives for thousands of children and families, Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation Tuesday that could force many large insurance plans to cover the condition.

Former Miami Dolphins star and autism activist Dan Marino watched as Crist signed a bill that advocates have pushed for more than a decade - and said he hopes that it will lead other families without an NFL star's income to get some of the treatment that his son benefited from.

Marino's son Michael is now 20.

"He's in college, doing very well, and he's a direct result of early intervention," Marino said.

The new law calls for health insurance companies to negotiate agreements with the state on how they will cover diagnosis and treatment of autism-related disorders. If companies don't enter into such agreements, the state will require certain coverages by July 2009. The coverage is capped at $36,000 a year, or $200,000 over a lifetime.

The Associated Press

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