Legislature(2011 - 2012)
2012-09-25 Senate Journal
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Full Journal pdf2012-09-25 Senate Journal Page 2495 SB 74 Message dated June 12 was received stating: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article II, Section 17, of the Alaska Constitution, I have let the following bill become law without signature: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 74(RLS) am H "An Act requiring insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders, describing the method for establishing a covered treatment plan for those disorders, and defining the covered treatment for those disorders; establishing the Comprehensive Autism Early Diagnosis and Treatment Task Force; and providing for an effective date." Chapter No. 63, SLA 2012 [Effective Date: See Chapter] Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are far too common, and these disorders pose significant health and economic challenges for those with ASD and their family members. Additionally, if not diagnosed and treated from an early age, ASD place a significant financial burden on the State for education, medical, and other personal costs. In Alaska, when insurance companies offer health care policies for sale, they are currently required to provide coverage for about 15 procedures and conditions, including mammograms and treatment for diabetes. Statutory coverage requirements for insurance products are designed to avoid costs and suffering that can otherwise be avoided. This legislation exempts approximately 20,000 small Alaska businesses from its impacts, and that is where the complexity begins. For while the legislation exempted many of Alaska's small businesses, the legislation does require insurance companies to provide ASD