State Regulators Pass Emergency Measures to Ensure Autism Coverage

California regulators have issued emergency regulations aimed at keeping insurance companies from delaying or denying coverage for autism treatment.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced the approval of emergency rules this week, which take effect immediately.

Read more of Rachel Dornhelm's The California Report article HERE.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announces emergency regulation requiring medically necessary treatment for autism in children

Regulation prohibits limits on coverage and denials of behavioral health treatment

SACRAMENTO - Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today announced that the California Department of Insurance (CDI) has filed an emergency regulation with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) aimed at addressing delays and denials of coverage for autism treatment in children. This regulation is being sought by Commissioner Jones to further protect children diagnosed with autism and their families from the emotional, physical, and financial harms caused by insurer denials or as a result of significant delays in treatment.

"Children diagnosed with autism should not be denied or delayed in obtaining the life-changing treatment that they so desperately need," said Commissioner Jones. "Many insurers are failing to comply with California law that mandates medically necessary treatment. This regulation will clarify insurers' obligations to provide these critical services."

Read more of the CDI press release  HERE.