ALBANY (AP) -- Gov. David Paterson will soon decide whether to sign or veto legislation requiring health insurers to cover screening, diagnosis and lifetime treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
The measure has divided advocacy groups, though the Senate and Assembly have unanimously approved it. The bill would require health officials to identify treatment and therapy options that are medically necessary, evidence-based, peer-reviewed and clinically proven.
Bill supporters say the mandate will expand coverage for accepted approaches like routine toddler screening, speech and behavioral therapy and anti-seizure drugs.
Opponents say it will give insurers standards to use in rejecting treatments for disorders that differ widely and whose cause remains unknown.
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