A proposed law forcing insurance companies to cover therapies for the autism disorder has cleared the state senate on a strong vote. Senator Scott Rupp’s bill

requires insurance companies to cover autism treatments. Now he’s within striking distance of seeing his proposal become law. Two weeks ago the House passed a slightly different version by a strong vote. Rupp thinks the bill protects small businesses from big premium jumps when their insurance company covers autism treatments. The bill requires coverage for as much as 55-thousand dollars a year in treatments until the person is 21.

We’ll have a more complete story, with all of the debate before the final Senate vote, in this space tomorrow morning.

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