Ga. Senate passes bill requiring coverage for autism therapy

ATLANTA (AP) The Georgia state Senate has passed a bill requiring insurance companies to cover autism therapy for children younger than 6. <br /> <br /> Lawmakers passed the bill, 54-0 on Thursday. Supporters say early intervention can help children with autism learn to speak and lower later health care costs. <br /> <br /> The bill would cap coverage at $35,000 and wouldn't apply to companies with 10 or fewer workers. It is the first piece of legislation voted on by the Senate this year. <br /> <br /> Sponsor Republican Sen. Charlie Bethel says one in 64 children in Georgia will be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. <br /> <br /> Senate Bill 1 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. A similar proposal stalled there last year. House Speaker David Ralston has said he doesn't support higher insurance costs for small business owners.