Nationwide, few private insurance companies or other employee benefit plans cover autism therapies. In fact, most insurance companies designate autism as a diagnostic exclusion, meaning that no autism-specific services are covered. Autism Votes, an initiative of Autism Speaks, is working to change state insurance laws to require private health insurance policies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Click on your state in the map below to learn more about autism insurance reform!
Helpful Links:
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Autism Speaks 2013 State Initiative Map!
Download a PDF version of our 2013 State initiatives map.
Updated 4/8/2013
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The Fiscal Impact of Autism Insurance Reform
In order to determine the fiscal impact of autism insurance reform, Autism Speaks has collected claims data from states where such laws apply to members of the state employee health plan and have been in effect for at least one year. Updated March 2012)
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Autism Speaks Model Legislation
Our model bill reflects language that has been vetted throughout this process and we have refined the model legislation accordingly. Updated March 2013
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2012 National Profile of Children with Special Health Care Needs and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the report summarizes key findings from the 2009/10 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs and the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health.
March 21, 2012
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Autism Spectrum Disorders Mandated Benefits Review Panel Report
This report details the cost effectiveness of autism insurance coverage and, while prepared specifically for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this analysis can be presented as evidence in all states.
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Consumer Guide to Handling Disputes With Your Employer or Private Health Plan
Prepared by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Consumers Union (August 2005) -
Military Families and Autism Advocacy
A page especially for military families affected by autism.
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Want to speak to someone in YOUR community about autism legislation?
Find your community's Autism Speaks Chapter Advocacy Chair and contact them with any questions!
GREEN - States (32) with enacted autism insurance reform laws
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Alaska - Enacted June 27, 2012
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Arizona - Enacted March 21, 2008
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Arkansas - Enacted March 4, 2011
- California - Enacted Oct. 9, 2011
- Colorado - Enacted June 2, 2009
- Connecticut - Enacted June 9, 2009
- Delaware - Enacted August 13, 2012
- Florida - Enacted May 2, 2008
- Iowa - Enacted April 29, 2010
- Illinois - Enacted December 13, 2008
- Indiana - Enacted May 3, 2001
- Kansas - Enacted April 19, 2010
- Kentucky - Enacted April 14, 2010
- Louisiana - Enacted July 2, 2008 ; Amended June 28, 2012
- Maine - Enacted April 12, 2010
- Massachusetts - Enacted August 3, 2010
- Michigan- Enacted April 18, 2012
- Missouri - Enacted June 10, 2010
- Montana - Enacted May 5, 2009
- Nevada - Enacted May 29, 2009
- New Hampshire - Enacted July 23, 2010
- New Jersey - Enacted August 13, 2009
- New Mexico - Enacted April 2, 2009
- New York- Enacted Nov. 1, 2011
- Pennsylvania - Enacted July 9, 2008
- Rhode Island- Enacted June 30, 2011
- South Carolina - Enacted June 7, 2007
- Texas - Enacted June 15, 2007; Amended June 19, 2009
- Vermont - Enacted May 27, 2010; Amended May 16, 2012
- Virginia- Enacted May 6, 2011
- West Virginia- Enacted April 1, 2011
- Wisconsin - Enacted October 19, 2009
RED - States with Autism Speaks-endorsed bills for 2013
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Tennessee
YELLOW - States pursuing autism insurance reform in 2013
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- Utah
BLUE - States not currently pursuing autism insurance reform
- Alabama
- Idaho
- Maryland (pursuing reform through regulation)
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Washington (reform progressing through Mental Health Parity litigation)
- Washington, DC (pursuing reform through Affordable Care Act implementation)
- Wyoming
