State Representative Todd Snitchler (R- Uniontown) today voted in favor of a measure that would require employers who offer health insurance to their employees to include coverage for specified autism services for individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
The specified autism services to be covered under House Bill 8 are: habilitative or rehabilitative care, psychological care, therapeutic care, and counseling services. Furthermore, pharmacy care for autism treatment cannot be excluded if the policy or plan includes other pharmacy care. The amendment capping annual benefits, made a part of the bill today on the floor, was first introduced by Representative Snitchler in the House Access and Affordability to Healthcare Committee.
“This bill is much improved by the amendments made to it. The bill improves childrens’ outcomes while balancing burdens on small businesses, which is favorable for all parties,” said Snitchler.
Under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), state insurance mandates such as House Bill 8 cannot impact employers with union employees or large employers that are self-insured. Additionally, this legislation’s requirements do not apply to Medicaid, but the bill does require state and local governments to offer coverage to their employees for such services.
Representative Snitchler also voted in favor of three other measures that appeared on the House floor for consideration today. House Bill 81 requires employers who offer health insurance to their employees to include coverage for specified medically necessary diabetes services for individuals diagnosed with diabetes; House Bill 167 prohibits an employer or a landlord from discriminating against a victim of domestic violence; and Senate Bill 106, which clarifies and enhances current statutes governing estate and trust proceedings.
“Both House Bills 8 and 81 will undergo further consideration in the Senate where I hope both pieces of legislation will continue to be strengthened,” Snitchler said.
