Several thousand children are now eligible for insurance coverage of their autism treatments in Missouri.
The law requires insurers to cover $40,000 a year of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for children 18 and under. Parents say the intensive therapy makes dramatic improvements in their children.
The mandate will only apply to about one-fourth of Missouri's population. Those employed by small to medium sized business that have state-regulated health plans.
"It's specifically for children that have the Autistic Spectrum Disorder," said Dana Ruhl, the business manager for the Hannibal Public School District. "There's a certain limit each year per child. This would be treatment sought by parents through a licensed therapist for those treatments and claims that can be turned into the insurance company."
"Personally knowing some of the parents, it has to be very helpful to them because in the past, all of that's been out of pocket expense," said Jill Janes, superintendent of the Hannibal Public School District.
It's even more beneficial to families who don't have access to therapy through their public schools.
"My husband and I and our son, Jack, are very fortunate that the Hannibal Public School System has a room set up where he has access to ABA therapy," said Marlene Rodenbaugh.
Going through their school has cut therapy costs significantly.
"We serve them in a resource room and we have pretty much one on one teacher assistance with our children. Our goal is to get them to go out in the regular classroom as much as possible," said Janes.
"It's very crucial to education with autistic kids," said Rodenbaugh.
"There's just a lot of complications that come along with autism. Whether it's health related or medical related, parents need that support," said Janes.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKHQA