Insurance would cover autism treatment under bill approved by Iowa House

The Iowa House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to require that insurance companies cover a treatment for autism that parents say can help provide a better quality of life for their kids.

"Our oldest daughter is autistic," said Rep. Andy McKean, R-Anamosa. "And I can simply say that my wife and I would have very much wished that this legislation was in effect back many years ago."

House File 215 would require insurance companies to cover applied behavior analysis for children with autism if they're issuing health plans to companies with more than 50 employees, or for plans to public non-state employees. Coverage would become available for families with dependents younger than 19 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

ABA therapy focuses on helping those with autism develop healthy behaviors such as communication and self-control.

Rep. Dave Heaton, R-Mount Pleasant, said he and others have worked for years to reach an agreement with insurance companies in an effort to pass this legislation. He said the bill approved Wednesday represents that compromise.

"I can’t tell you the gratitude that the parents of these children who have this autism, the gratitude they have on what we’re going to vote for today," he said. "It’s been a long haul. There’s been a tremendous amount of anxiety out there, and today we’re going to bring it home and make it all possible.”