By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – A measure that would require insurance companies to cover treatment for autistic children has cleared an important hurdle in the Missouri House.
Representatives gave initial approval Tuesday night to a bill that would require group insurance plans to cover up to $36,000 each year of behavioral therapy for people with autism younger than 18.
The measure still needs to pass another House vote. A bill in the Missouri Senate would require even broader coverage.
Similar legislation passed the state Senate last year but never came to a vote in the House, where some members were concerned about its effect on insurance premiums.