ATLANTA — State Representative Christian Coomer (R-Cartersville) today commented on House Bill 429, which includes the autism coverage requirement known as “Ava’s Law.” HB 429 was signed into law by Governor Deal following the 2015 legislative session and became effective on July 1, 2015.
“Providing this opportunity for autistic children and their families to have access to necessary health services early in life is not only a benefit to them, but it is also a great savings to the community,” said Rep. Coomer. “Early intervention results in children with autism spectrum challenges leading productive and healthier lives, with less cost to schools and public remediation programs during their lifetime. This is both fiscally conservative and relentlessly compassionate.”
HB 429 incorporates language from SB1, or “Ava’s Law,” which requires any individual or small group health insurance policy sold in this state to provide coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders for individuals six years of age or younger. Under HB 429, coverage cannot include any limits on the number of visits; however, the policy may limit coverage for applied behavior analysis up to $30,000 per year.
HB 429 also provides protection for patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses by prohibiting insurance carriers from dropping coverage or declining treatment.
For more information on HB 429, please click here.
Representative Christian Coomer represents the citizens of District 14, which includes portions of Bartow and Floyd counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Banks & Banking, Judiciary Non-Civil, Retirement, and Juvenile Justice committees.
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