Mississippi State-Regulated Insurance Coverage
Mississippi requires meaningful coverage for autism, including under state regulated plans. Mississippi’s autism insurance bill, HB 885, was enacted in 2015. The law became effective on July 15, 2015.
To which plan types does the STATE autism insurance law apply?
- Individual Grandfathered Plans - YES
- Individual Non-Grandfathered Plans - NO
- Fully Insured Large Group Plans - YES
- Fully Insured Small Group Plans - NO
What services are covered by law?
- Screening and diagnosis
- Applied behavior analysis
- Pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care
- Speech, occupational and physical therapy
Does Mississippi have caps on ABA coverage?
Yes. Coverage is limited to individuals from birth to 8 years of age for a maximum of 25 hours per week.
The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) is a federal law that generally prevents group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide mental health or substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits from imposing less favorable benefit limitations on those benefits than on medical/surgical benefits. This includes quantitative treatment limits like age and dollar caps.
Where can I find more details about the Mississippi autism insurance law?
A copy of HB 885 as enrolled can be found here. The Missouri Insurance Department provides additional information here.
Other comments about the law.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Mississippi, United Healthcare and Ambetter of Magnolia have voluntarily removed all age caps for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
If you have additional questions, please email advocacy@autismspeaks.org.
Last Updated: December 2019