(Radio Iowa) – A new state law will require private insurance policies to cover a range of medically necessary services for Iowans with autism. Representative David Young of Van Meter says private insurers may no longer limit coverage to children, for example. “It prohibits a plan from imposing an aggregate annual or lifetime limit on coverage benefits for autism spectrum disorders,” Young says.

Some policies have limited the number of outpatient visits to medical professionals who diagnose autism in children and adults. That’s now prohibited and there are to be no limits on appointments for treatment with an autism service provider. Representative Adam Zabner of Iowa City says getting rid of these restrictions is a big step. “It’s very important that we ensure that folks with autism receive the care they need all the way through their life,” Zabner said.

HF330 cleared the Iowa legislature unanimously this year. A similar bil won unanimous approval in the Iowa House last year. (RI file photo of Iowa House Chamber)

The bill passed the legislature unanimously and Governor Reynolds signed it last week. The changes go into effect July 1st. Federal officials estimate about eight-thousand Iowa children and 53-thousand adults in Iowa have been diagnosed or are living with an autism spectrum disorder.