Kentucky Mandate

AP reports:

The Kentucky Senate has given final passage to a bill that would require private insurance companies to cover services for autistic children.

The Senate voted 37-0 Thursday to send the bill to Gov. Steve Beshear.

Under the bill, large group plans would be required to pay up to $50,000 a year for autism therapy and other treatment for children younger than 7. Those plans would cover $1,000 a month in treatment for youths ages 7 to 21.

The bill would require smaller plans, with 50 or fewer employees, or individual plans to provide $1,000 per month in autism services.

Republican Sen. Tom Buford of Nicholasville said the bill will help ensure that autistic children reach their full potential.