January 26, 2010

Gov. Nixon's statement on Senate committee passage of autism insurance legislation

Jefferson City - Gov. Jay Nixon, who has advocated for legislation requiring insurance coverage for autism therapies, released the following statement following the passage of SB 618 by a committee of the Missouri Senate of SB 618. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Scott Rupp, of St. Charles.

"I am pleased that the Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee today unanimously passed a bill to provide insurance coverage for Missouri families who have children with autism," Gov. Nixon said. "Early diagnosis and treatment have been shown time and again to be very effective in helping children overcome the challenges of autism and related disorders.

"Without insurance coverage, the cost of these vital therapies often places an unbearable financial burden on those families. I applaud the committee for its bipartisan vote on this autism bill and urge the General Assembly to continue its quick passage so I can sign it into law."