The full Virginia Senate is expected to discuss a bill today (Feb. 16) mandating that insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, after the measure was approved by one of its committees.

Janet D. Howell

On Feb. 15, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee voted 11-4 to support SB 464, offered by Sen. Janet D. Howell (D-32nd District), sending the measure to a full Senate vote.

A similar measure, HB 303, by Del. John M. O’Bannon (R-73rd District), died on a tie vote in the House’s Committee on Commerce and Labor.

Howell’s measure would require health insurers, health care subscription plans and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. According to the text of the bill approved by the committee, coverage would be offered for children ages 2 to 6, with a maximum annual benefit of $35,000, unless the insurer elects to provide coverage in a greater amount.

The original version of the bill sought coverage from time of diagnosis until age 10.

The mandate would not apply to individual or small-group policies, contracts or plans and the state employees’ health insurance plan would not need to follow the rule until July 1, 2015.