July 3rd, 2008

After a yearlong battle between the state Senate and House, a bill requiring insurance coverage of autism treatments for children will finally be sent to the governor for his approval. 

According to an article in the Intelligencer Journal, it was a compromise made Tuesday evening that helped push the bill through the two chambers.  The compromise inserted language that specifically defined what treatments insurance companies must cover.  The House unanimously passed the bill on Tuesday before it was approved in the Senate last night by a vote of 49-1.

“Our caucus is pleased to pass what Autism Speaks says is the strongest bill in the nation,” said Senate Republican caucus spokesman Erik Arneson.

Governor Rendell is expected to sign the legislation.