The information below is collected from state statutes and regulations. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Note: Certain insurance plans are exempt from state mandates. Please contact your plan administrator to see if your plan includes state mandated autism spectrum disorder benefits.
The state of Arkansas has a specific autism mandate, which requires certain insurers to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder.
The mandate requires health benefit plans issues or renewed on or after October 1, 2011 to provide for coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Treatment includes: (i) Applied behavior analysis when provided by or supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst; (ii) Pharmacy care; (iii) Psychiatric care; (iv) Psychological care; (v) Therapeutic care (which includes services provided by licensed speech therapists, occupational therapists, or physical therapists); and (vi) Equipment determined necessary to provide evidence-based treatment; provided such treatments determined by a licensed physician to be medically necessary and evidence-based.
For further information on insurance mandates for autism spectrum disorder, please visit this website:
Ark. Code Ann. §23-99-418 [PDF] (as created by HB 1315 [2011])
Questions regarding state affairs issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Affairs Team.