Oklahoma Senate backs off autism coverage

By The Associated Press
Published: April 21, 2009

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The Oklahoma Senate has backed off an amendment to a House bill to require the Oklahoma High Risk Health Insurance Pool to cover autism spectrum disorders.

Instead, the Senate voted Tuesday to adopt a House a proposal for licensing and training programs for autism therapists.

That bill returns to the House, which is expected to pass it and send it to the governor.

Last week, the Senate adopted an amendment requiring the high risk pool to cover autism treatment up to $36,000.

Sen. John Gumm said his amendment was a good compromise to mandating that private insurance companies cover autism. He says the House plan will do nothing to help families pay for autism treatment.