1st Engrossment - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/03/2013 08:37am
A bill for an act
relating to insurance; providing coverage for autism spectrum disorders;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62A.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in
paragraphs (b) and (c) have the meanings given.
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(b) "Autism spectrum disorders" means the conditions as determined by criteria
set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.
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(c) "Medically necessary care" means health care services appropriate, in terms of
type, frequency, level, setting, and duration, to the enrollee's condition, and diagnostic
testing and preventative services. Medically necessary care must be consistent with
generally accepted practice parameters as determined by physicians and licensed
psychologists who typically manage patients who have autism spectrum disorders.
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(a) A health plan must provide coverage for the
diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, and medically necessary care of autism spectrum
disorders, including but not limited to the following:
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(1) intensive behavior therapy, including but not limited to applied behavior
analysis, intensive early intervention behavior therapy, intensive behavior intervention,
and Lovaas therapy;
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(2) neuro-developmental and behavioral health treatments and management;
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(3) speech therapy;
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(4) occupational therapy;
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(5) physical therapy; and
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(6) medications.
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(b) Coverage required under this section shall include treatment that is in accordance
with an individualized treatment plan prescribed by the enrollee's treating physician.
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(c) A health carrier may not refuse to renew or reissue, or otherwise terminate or
restrict, coverage of an individual solely because the individual is diagnosed with an
autism spectrum disorder.
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(d) A health carrier may request an updated treatment plan only once every six
months, unless the health carrier and the treating physician agree that a more frequent
review is necessary due to emerging circumstances.
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Nothing in this section limits in any way the
coverage required under section 62Q.47.
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This section does not affect benefits available
under the medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs and does not limit, restrict, or
otherwise reduce coverage under these programs.
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This section is effective August 1, 2013, and applies to
coverage offered; issued; sold; renewed; or continued as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 60A.02, subdivision 2a; on or after that date.
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