Web Site Details Insurance Act

Individuals living with autism and their loved ones, as well as private health insurance companies and autism service providers, now have access to a new state Web site that offers information on the Pennsylvania Autism Insurance Act, according to state Sen. Mike Stack.

The Web site, www.paautisminsurance.org, offers answers about the law (Act 62), which requires large group private health insurance policies to cover the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Children under 21 years of age will be eligible for $36,000 in autism services. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2009.

“This is a great service for anyone who might benefit from the new Autism Insurance Act,” Stack said. “More children are being diagnosed with this developmental disorder, so it’s crucial that Pennsylvania offers a solid source of information on the coverage that will be available to them.”

In addition to the large group private insurance coverage, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) will provide coverage to children that exceed the $36,000 cap. DPW will continue to provide autism service coverage to children whose parent’s private insurance policy does not cover autism services.