Autism insurance coverage legislation hits major setback in...

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.

Smith discussed his position on SB 1 in a brief interview after holding an hour-long hearing on the legislation. Parents of children with autism spoke in favor of the bill. Representatives from the Georgia Chamber, the National Federation of Independent Business and Georgia Association of Health Plans raised concerns about it.

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