COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The autism parity bill is considered a priority piece of legislation by Democrats and is expected to be introduced within the next two weeks.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ted Celeste of Grandview Heights and Rep. Nancy Garland of New Albany, would prohibit health insurance companies from excluding coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified.
Celeste's spokesman Jeff Wise said many insurance companies explicitly do not cover autism spectrum disorders and a few have offered coverage.
The costs for a family without coverage can range from several thousand dollars each year to more than $20,000 a year.
One in 150 children are diagnosed with an autism disorder, making it more common than cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined for children.
A press conference will be held on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at Nationwide Children's Hospital to discuss the bill.
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