Insurance and Real Estate Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Insurance and Real Estate Committee

REASONS FOR BILL:

The bill specifies that those previously diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders will continue to qualify for covered services after the definition of ASD changes with the advent of newly published diagnostic guidelines, expected in May 2013 (the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

None expressed.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

None expressed.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

CT Association of Health Plans, submitted testimony in opposition to the bill stating “Requiring in statute that an insurance mandate be tied to professional criteria developed in 1994 is ill advised and imprudent. Criteria are updated in order to reflect the latest clinical research and treatment modalities and the legislature should not seek to override the protocols established by professional societies who have the knowledge and expertise to provide guidance on these matters.”

Jennifer Herz, on behalf of CBIA, testified in opposition to the bill stating “It is unclear whether the modifications contained in this bill will be considered a new mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is an extremely important distinction since new mandates will effect the state budget because of the ACA, as well as the budgets of small businesses.”