MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Insurance; Appropriations
By: Representatives Massengill, Barker, Evans (43rd), Lamar, Steverson, White, Lane, Dixon
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE MANAGEMENT BOARD TO REVIEW AND STUDY WHETHER TO EXPAND COVERAGE CURRENTLY PROVIDED FOR THE TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS UNDER THE STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN; TO REQUIRE A REPORT TO BE FILED WITH THE LEGISLATURE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the Legislature created the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board to design a plan of health insurance for state and school employees that provides benefits and coverages that the board deems necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes the growing need to identify children with autism spectrum disorders and to begin early intervention services immediately after a child has been diagnosed with autism, and that those services, interventions, and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families should be provided to the extent practical in an integrated, seamless, comprehensive, and competent manner; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board shall review and study whether to expand coverage currently provided for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders under the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan. The board may employ or contract for such consulting or actuarial services as may be necessary to evaluate expanding this coverage. In evaluating the coverage, the board may also consider the services for the early intervention and treatment of autism spectrum disorders offered by the public school system under the provision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to facilitate coordination of resources and minimize potential redundancy of benefits.
(2) On or before December 1, 2014, the board shall submit a report to the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chairmen of the House and Senate Insurance Committees regarding expanding coverage in the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The report shall contain the board's analysis, conclusions and recommendations regarding expanding coverage under the plan. The report shall also contain an estimate of the financial impact on the plan due to expanding the coverage.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.