Wednesday, May 12, 2010

State legislation: Minnesota's autism insurance bill excised from passed final version of HHS Omnibus bill

Despite concerted last minute actions by interested stakeholders, the final version of the Minnesota HHS Omnibus bill determined by Conference Committee and passed in the Minnesota Legislature did not contain the insurance provisions for autism treatment which were contained in the House version. The Committee split on this inclusion, with all of the House members voting in favor of inclusion and those in the Senate opposed. While discussion of this Conference Committee version was allowed on the floors of the Legislature, amendment was not, so that the reported version was in essence the final version.

This legislation now goes to Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. It is reported that he may veto it in its current form because of Medicaid changes; this would send it back to the Legislature, but re-inclusion of the insurance coverage even in that eventuality seems a distant possibility.

For further reading
Omnibus Healthcare Bill is Done — Autism Insurance Reform is Out
May 12th, 2010
Autism Law Center Blog

The Fate of the Autism Healthcare Protection Act
May 11th, 2010
Autism Law Center Blog

Health and Human Services (HHS) Conference Committee Finishes Omnibus Bill
May 12, 2010
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities blog

Past post
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
State legislation: Legislative conference on Minnesota Health and Human Services (HHS) Omnibus bills to decide autism insurance coverage

© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
 
550 W. Centre Ave., Portage MI 49024-5364
Phone: (269) 492-9310 | Fax: (269) 492-9316 | E-mail: mail@abainternational.org