1. SENATE BILL 946A National Movement for Private Insurance
Coverage of Autism Related Services
2011 Legislative Chronology:
Background on:
For the past 10 years, state legislatures all over the United States have been slowly reacting
to the push of families and advocacy groups for children and adults with autism to reform in-
surance laws for the funding for autism related services. Though progress on this issue has
been inconsistent and varied, the result has been sweeping changes in how autism related
services are funded within our country.
A total of 37 states and the District of Columbia have laws related to autism and insurance
coverage. At least 31 states—Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New
York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West
Virginia and Wisconsin—specifically require insurers to provide coverage for the treatment of
autism.
California’s Response: Senate Bill 946
California’s legislators took an
aggressive approach by proposing
more than 4 related bills for the funding
of autism related services through
private insurance. All but one, Senate
Bill 946 (SB 946), persevered through
various committees, amendments and
edits, ultimately landing on Governor
Brown’s desk for approval.
With SB 946, California produced an
autism insurance mandate that is far
more reaching than almost any in the
nation. Put into law July 1, 2012, SB
946 is rich with benefits compared to
other states.
It puts a definitive emphasis on the pro-
vision of ABA-based services. Unlike
most states, the mandate does not ex-
empt small businesses or policies
bought on the individual market.
Assembly Bill 171 (AB 171) introduced
by Assemblymen Beall.
Senate Bill 166 (SB 166) introduced by
Senator Steinberg; Senate Bill 770 (SB
770) introduced by Senator Evans.
Senate Bill 946 (SB 946) introduced by
Senator Steinberg.
SB 166 is amended but never
progresses through the Senate.
AB 171 deferred in committee.
SB 770 deferred in committee.
SB 946 passes in the Senate and the
Assembly; SB 946 sent to the governor
for signature.
Governor Brown signs SB 946 into
law.
January
February
March
April
May
August
September
October
Anastasia Bacigalupo, Area Board 9 805-648-0220 Anastasia.Bacigalupo@scdd.ca.org
Mary Ellen Stives, Area Board 13 619-688-3323 MaryEllen.Stives@scdd.ca.gov