A bill mandating that insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder was tabled by a Virginia House subcommittee nearly a week after it passed in the state Senate, effectively killing the legislation.

Janet D. Howell

By a 10-0 vote, a subcommittee of the House Committee on Commerce and Labor decided not to move forward on the measure, stalling it from reaching the full House for a vote.

The bill (SB 464), proposed by Sen. Janet D. Howell (D-32nd District) would have required health insurers, health care subscription plans and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. 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, according to the text of the bill.

But media reports indicate that several lobbyists for the business community testified in opposition to the bill, saying the mandates would add more costs in an already tight economy.

Howell discussed her grandson, Bode, who has autism, but lives in Arizona, where coverage is mandated, saying children in Virginia should have the same right, according to reports.