Blue Cross To Add Autism Benefit

News On 6

UNDATED -- The word from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma that it's adding an autism benefit. It would cover evaluations as well as speech, physical and occupational therapies.

The company says the autism benefit won't significantly increase premiums and won't change the medical coverage already available to children with autism.

Parents in Oklahoma have been pressuring state lawmakers to pass a law which would force insurance companies to cover autism treatments.

The bill died during the last session, but its author Senator Jay Gumm says he'll introduce the bill again.

Gumm says Monday's announcement is a step in the right direction, but says it lacks specifics.

The autism benefit offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield should be available by January of 2010.