Autism insurance coverage legislation hits major setback in Georgia

A years-long effort in Georgia to mandate insurance coverage for young children with autism hit a major setback Monday, when the chairman of a key House committee disclosed he doesn’t plan to bring it up for a vote.

Rep. Richard Smith, R-Columbus, chairman of the House Insurance Committee, cited an issue of fairness, pointing out how Senate Bill 1 would apply to small businesses but not large companies that self-insure employees' coverage. Smith also referred to Gov. Nathan Deal's recent complaint about the same issue.

SB 1 passed the Senate in January and it is now pending in Smith’s committee.