Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1091

Bill Title: Health Insurance - Coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Bill Sponsor(s): Del. Reznik, et al.

Subject: Health Care

Committee: HGO

Bill Summary: This bill would have mandated as a health insurance benefit additional services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The bill would have required health insurance policies to cover "applied behavioral analysis" provided by physicians, psychologists or board certified analysts for individuals with autism, whereby behavior and functions are modified by ongoing intensive therapy. There would have been no cap on annual services, or limit on annual visits for services. A carrier could have obtained a one-year waiver from covering such services if an actuary certified that costs exceeded 2% of total premiums.

History: Autism is currently included within the definition of a "congenital or genetic birth defect". As such, habilitative services for physical and speech therapy are currently mandated as a health insurance benefit. In 2009 HB 273 was withdrawn by the sponsor. In 2010 HB 1091 died in the Health & Government Operations Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The Chamber opposed this bill due to concerns of adding another mandated health insurance benefit that could be very costly to employers. Although children with autism currently receive speech and physical therapeutic services, the costs associated with this legislation would be open-ended. The provision to allow a one-year waiver from the mandate based on the finding of an actuary would be unwieldy and still allow for excessive cost growth. At a time that health care costs should be contained, this bill would add significant new costs to health insurance policies.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.