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Ohio Law Requiring Insurers To Cover Autism Treatment Goes Into Effect

Jo Ingles
Kasich holds a ceremonial signing of a bill requiring autism treatments.

Gov. John Kasich held a ceremonial bill signing Wednesday to celebrate a new law requiring coverage for medically necessary treatments for autistic children. 

 

The law requires medically necessary treatments, including behavior analysis, be covered for children under the age of 14 who've been diagnosed with autism. Kasich says this will help families who cannot afford treatment.

“This is what people want," Kasich said. "They want people who need help to be helped. They want our children to be treated, really, with great love.”

Ohio is the 45th state to pass a law requiring insurers to cover the treatment of autism for children. The law was actually signed in January, but just took effect last week.

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.