Senate Bill 2872

AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES THAT PROVIDE BENEFITS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. As used in this section, "autism spectrum disorders" means neurological disorders, usually appearing in the first three (3) years of a person's life, that affect normal brain functions and are typically manifested by impairments in communication and social interaction, as well as restrictive, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors.

(2) A contract or policy of an insurer that provides benefits for neurological disorders, whether under an individual or group health insurance policy providing coverage on an expense-incurred basis, an individual or group service contract issued by a health maintenance organization, a self-insured group arrangement to the extent not preempted by federal law or a managed health care delivery entity of any type or description shall provide benefits and coverage for treatment of autism spectrum disorders that are at least as compressive as those provided for other neurological disorders. These benefits and coverage for treatment shall be provided to any person less than twelve (12) years of age.

(3) Benefits provided for treatment of autism spectrum disorders shall be subject to deductible and copayment requirements and benefit limits that are no more stringent than those established for the treatment of other neurological disorders.

(4) An insurer that provides benefits for neurological disorders shall not refuse to renew policies, reissue policies, or otherwise terminate or restrict services to a person solely because the person is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

(5) The provisions of this section shall not expand the type or scope of treatment beyond that authorized for any other diagnosed neurological disorder and shall be effective upon any contract, policy or plan that is delivered, issued for delivery, amended or renewed on or after January 1, 2008.

(6) Nothing in this section shall apply to accident-only, specified disease, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, long-term care, or other limited benefit hospital insurance policies.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 2008.