A proposed bill would require private insurers in Delaware to cover the cost of screenings for developmental disabilities to ensure all infants and toddlers get the tests they require.

Matt Denn

Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, the former state insurance commissioner, and two members of the state legislature unveiled the bill June 1, requiring the coverage of comprehensive screenings for children at ages nine months, 18 months and 30 months.

The cost would be three cents per policyholder per month, according to the legislation introduced by Denn and state Rep. Terry Schooley (D-Newark) and Sen. Patricia Blevins (D-Elsmere).

“This legislation will help us to ensure that we find and successfully treat far more children with developmental disabilities,” Denn said in a statement.  “The result will be that these children will get far more effective treatment and face fewer challenges as they get older.”

Delaware already provides for sophisticated screening of infants and toddlers through its Medicaid program, which have proven results in the early detection of developmental disabilities, according to Denn’s office. That in turn, results in improved results for the treatment of children with such disabilities.

However, by one statistical measure, Delaware performs formal screening of young children for disabilities at just over half the rate of the rest of the country, according to the bill’s sponsors.

Representatives for pediatricians and the Delaware Early Childhood Council applauded the legislation.