Georgia Senate OKs compromise autism bill (Atlanta, Columbus: 2015, house insurance, house)

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This will be a great help to families with young children who have autism...

The Georgia Senate approved compromise legislation Tuesday requiring insurance companies to cover young children with autism.
Senators passed an autism bill back in January, but it ground to a halt in the House of Representatives over cost concerns.
After state Rep. Richard Smith, R-Columbus, chairman of the House Insurance Committee announced last week he would not allow a vote on the Senate bill, he met with his Senate counterpart to work out an agreement.
Under the compromise, which senators passed unanimously, the autism coverage mandate would be limited to children six years of age or younger. Payouts would be capped at $30,000 a year.
The bill also would exempt companies with 10 employees or fewer, while insurance companies wouldn’t have to offer autism coverage if they can demonstrate it would drive up their premiums by more than 1 percent.

Georgia Senate OKs compromise autism bill - Atlanta Business Chronicle