H. B. 4410


(By Delegates Miley, Fleischauer, Hatfield, Hunt,

Klempa, Mahan, Manchin, Moore, Morgan, Perdue, Cann)

[Introduced February 9, 2010 ; referred to the

Committee on Banking and Insurance.]




A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §9-5-21; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-3v, all relating to requiring health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders; setting forth the types of coverage required; requiring medical services to be provided on a nondiscriminatory basis; and defining terms.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §5-16-7f; that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §9-5- 21; and that said code be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §33-16-3v, all to read as follows:

CHAPTER 5. GENERAL POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR,

SECRETARY OF STATE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL; BOARD

OF PUBLIC WORKS; MISCELLANEOUS AGENCIES, COMMISSIONS,

OFFICES, PROGRAMS, ETC.

ARTICLE 16. WEST VIRGINIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES INSURANCE ACT.
§5-16-7f. Required coverage for autism spectrum disorder.
(a) The agency shall provide coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. To the extent that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by the agency, coverage under this section shall be included in health insurance policies that are delivered, executed, issued, amended, adjusted or renewed in this state, or outside this state if insuring residents of this state, on or after the effective date of the enactment of this section during the 2010 regular session of the Legislature. The agency may not terminate coverage, or refuse to deliver, execute, issue, amend, adjust or renew coverage to an individual solely because the individual is diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders, has received treatment for autism spectrum disorders, or is at risk for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.
(b) Coverage under this section is not subject to any limits on the number of visits an individual may make to an autism services provider.
(c) The coverage required under this section must not be subject to dollar limits, deductibles or coinsurance provisions that are less favorable to an insured than the dollar limits, deductibles or coinsurance provisions that apply to physical illness generally under the health insurance policy, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section.
(d) This section may not be construed as limiting benefits that are otherwise available to an individual covered by the agency. Coverage for applied behavior analysis will be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year. On or before July 30, 2012, the agency shall, on an annual basis, adjust the maximum benefit for inflation by using the Medical Care Component of the United States Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U). The agency is to submit the adjusted maximum benefit for publication annually no later than July 1, of each fiscal year, and the published adjusted maximum benefit will be applicable in the following fiscal year to health insurance policies offered by the agency. Payments made by an insurer on behalf of a covered individual for any care, treatment, intervention, service or item unrelated to autism spectrum disorders will not be applied towards any maximum benefit established under this section.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meaning:
(1) "Applied behavior analysis" means the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relationship between environment and behavior, and appropriate use of evidence based behavioral interventions for each individual.
(2) "Autism services provider" means any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
(3) "Autism spectrum disorders" means any of the pervasive developmental disorders as defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
(4) "Certified behavior analyst" means a West Virginia licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who is also board certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
(5) "Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders" means medically necessary assessment, evaluations or tests to diagnose whether an individual has one of the autism spectrum disorders provided by a licenced physician or psychiatrist with experience in assessment of autism spectrum disorders.
(6) "Evidence-based research" means research that applies rigorous, systematic and objective procedures to obtain valid knowledge relevant to autism spectrum disorders.
(7) "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" means professional, counseling and guidance services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.
(8) "Medically necessary" means reasonably expected to do the following:
(A) Prevent the onset of an illness, condition, injury or disability;
(B) Reduce or ameliorate the physical, mental or developmental effects of an illness, condition, injury or disability; or
(C) Assist to achieve or maintain maximum functional capacity in performing daily activities, taking into account both the functional capacity of the individual and the functional capacities that are appropriate for individuals of the same age.
(9) "Pharmacy care" means medications prescribed by a licensed physician and any health-related services deemed medically necessary to determine the need or effectiveness of the medications.
(10) "Psychiatric care" means direct or consultative services provided by a psychiatrist licensed in the state in which the psychiatrist practices.
(11) "Psychological care" means direct or consultative services provided by a psychologist licensed in the state in which the psychologist practices.
(12) "Therapeutic care" means services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists under the direction of a certified behavioral analyst.
(13) "Treatment for autism spectrum disorders" means the following care prescribed, provided or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:
(A) Habilitative or rehabilitative care;
(B) Pharmacy care;
(C) Psychiatric care;
(D) Psychological care; or
(E) Therapeutic care.
(F) Any care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders that is determined by Department of Health and Human Resources, based upon its review of best practices or evidence-based research, as required by section twenty-one, article five, chapter nine of this code, to be medically necessary shall be covered by the agency.
(f) Except for inpatient services, if an individual is receiving treatment for autism spectrum disorders, the agency has the right to request a review of that treatment not more than once every twelve months unless the agency and the individual's licensed physician or licensed psychologist agree that a more frequent review is necessary. The cost of obtaining any review shall be borne by the agency.
(g) This section may not be construed as affecting any obligation to provide services to an individual under an individualized family service plan, an individualized education program, or an individualized service plan.
CHAPTER 9. HUMAN SERVICES.

ARTICLE 5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
§9-5-21. Medicaid; required coverage for autism spectrum disorders.

(a) The Department of Health and Human Resources shall provide coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders for Medicaid recipients. To the extent that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by Medicaid, coverage under this section shall be provided to current and future Medicaid recipients on or after the effective date of the enactment of this section during the 2010 regular session of the Legislature. The department may not terminate coverage, or refuse to deliver, execute, issue, amend, adjust or renew coverage to an individual solely because the individual is diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders, has received treatment for autism spectrum disorders or is at risk for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.
(b) Coverage under this section will not be subject to any limits on the number of visits an individual may make to an autism services provider.
(c) The coverage required under this section is not to be subject to dollar limits, deductibles or coinsurance provisions that are less favorable to an insured than the dollar limits, deductibles or coinsurance provisions that apply to physical illness generally under the health insurance policy, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d)of this section.
(d) This section may not be construed as limiting benefits that are otherwise available to an individual covered by the department. Coverage for applied behavior analysis will be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year. On or before July 30, 2012, the department shall, on an annual basis, adjust the maximum benefit for inflation by using the Medical Care Component of the United States Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U). The department is to submit the adjusted maximum benefit for publication annually no later than July 1, of each fiscal year, and the published adjusted maximum benefit will be applicable in the following fiscal year Medicaid recipients. Payments made by the department on behalf of a recipient for any care, treatment, intervention, service or item unrelated to autism spectrum disorders will not be applied towards any maximum benefit established under this section.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meaning:
(1) "Applied behavior analysis" means the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relationship between environment and behavior, and appropriate use of evidence based behavioral interventions for each individual.
(2) "Autism services provider" means any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
(3) "Autism spectrum disorders" means any of the pervasive developmental disorders as defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
(4) "Certified behavior analyst" means a West Virginia licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who is also board certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
(5) "Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders" means medically necessary assessment, evaluations or tests to diagnose whether an individual has one of the autism spectrum disorders provided by a licenced physician or psychiatrist with experience in assessment of autism spectrum disorders.
(6) "Evidence-based research" means research that applies rigorous, systematic and objective procedures to obtain valid knowledge relevant to autism spectrum disorders.
(7) "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" means professional, counseling and guidance services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.
(8) "Medically necessary" means reasonably expected to do the following:
(A) Prevent the onset of an illness, condition, injury or disability;
(B) Reduce or ameliorate the physical, mental or developmental effects of an illness, condition, injury or disability; or
(C) Assist to achieve or maintain maximum functional capacity in performing daily activities, taking into account both the functional capacity of the individual and the functional capacities that are appropriate for individuals of the same age.
(9) "Pharmacy care" means medications prescribed by a licensed physician and any health-related services deemed medically necessary to determine the need or effectiveness of the medications.
(10) "Psychiatric care" means direct or consultative services provided by a psychiatrist licensed in the state in which the psychiatrist practices.
(11) "Psychological care" means direct or consultative services provided by a psychologist licensed in the state in which the psychologist practices.
(12) "Therapeutic care" means services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists under the direction of a certified behavioral analyst.
(13) "Treatment for autism spectrum disorders" means the following care prescribed, provided or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:
(A) Habilitative or rehabilitative care;
(B) Pharmacy care;
(C) Psychiatric care;
(D) Psychological care; or
(E) Therapeutic care.
(F) Any care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders that is determined by the department to be medically necessary shall be covered by the department. The department shall consult with The Center for Excellence at West Virginia University, the Autism Center at Marshall University, the Insurance Commissioner, and other experts in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders to review best practices or evidence-based research to determine if other types of care or treatment of autism spectrum disorders should be authorized as medically necessary for purposes of Medicaid and other public and private health care programs, plans or policies. The department shall report any such determinations of medically necessary care or treatment of autism spectrum disorders together with recommendations for any necessary legislation to implement the required coverage to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates on or before January 1 of each year.
(f) Except for inpatient services, if an individual is receiving treatment for autism spectrum disorders, the department has the right to request a review of that treatment not more than once every twelve months unless the agency and the individual's licensed physician or licensed psychologist agree that a more frequent review is necessary. The cost of obtaining any review shall be borne by the department.
(g) This section will not be construed as affecting any obligation to provide services to an individual under an individualized family service plan, an individualized education program, or an individualized service plan.
(h) The department is authorized to seek federal approval through a Medicaid waiver or a state plan amendment for the provision of occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, applied behavior analysis and treatment and behavior assistant services to individuals who are six years of age and under and have a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder as defined in this section. Coverage for such services shall be limited to $36,000 annually and may not exceed $108,000 in total lifetime benefits. This limitation does not apply to activities of daily living and other such supportive services currently provided under the waiver program.
(i) The department shall submit an annual report beginning on January 1, 2011, to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, regarding progress on obtaining federal approval and recommendations for the implementation of these home and community-based services. The department may not implement subsection (h) of this section without prior legislative approval.
CHAPTER 33. INSURANCE.

ARTICLE 16. GROUP ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE.
§33-16-3v. Requirements for coverage of autism spectrum disorders. (a) A health insurance policy issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, except supplemental health insurance, shall provide coverage for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. To the extent that the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the treatment of autism spectrum disorders are not already covered by a health insurance policy, coverage under this section will be included in health insurance policies that are delivered, executed, issued, amended, adjusted or renewed in this state, or outside this state if insuring residents of this state, on or after sixty days from the effective date of this section. No insurer may terminate coverage, or refuse to deliver, execute, issue, amend, adjust or renew coverage to an individual solely because the individual is diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders or has received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
(b) Coverage under this section is not subject to any limits on the number of visits an individual may make to an autism services provider.
(c) The coverage required under this section must not be subject to dollar limits, deductibles or coinsurance provisions that are less favorable to an insured than the dollar limits, deductibles or coinsurance provisions that apply to physical illness generally under the health insurance policy, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section.
(d) This section may not be construed as limiting benefits that are otherwise available to an individual under a health insurance policy.
(e) Coverage for applied behavior analysis will be subject to a maximum benefit of $36,000 per year. After December 31, 2012, the Insurance Commissioner shall, on an annual basis, adjust the maximum benefit for inflation by using the Medical Care Component of the United States Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U). The commissioner will submit the adjusted maximum benefit for publication annually no later than January 1 of each calendar year, and the published adjusted maximum benefit will be applicable in the following calendar year to health insurance policies subject to this act. Payments made by an insurer on behalf of a covered individual for any care, treatment, intervention, service, or item unrelated to autism spectrum disorders will not be applied towards any maximum benefit established under this section.
(f) As used in this section:
(1) "Applied behavior analysis" means the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relationship between environment and behavior, and appropriate use of evidence based behavioral interventions for each individual.
(2) "Autism services provider" means any person, entity or group that provides treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
(3) "Autism spectrum disorders" means any of the pervasive developmental disorders as defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified(PDD-NOS).
(4) "Certified behavior analyst" means a West Virginia licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who is also board certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
(5) "Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders" means medically necessary assessment, evaluations or tests to diagnose whether an individual has one of the autism spectrum disorders provided by a licenced physician or psychiatrist with experience in assessment of autism spectrum disorders.
(6) "Evidence-based research" means research that applies rigorous, systematic and objective procedures to obtain valid knowledge relevant to autism spectrum disorders.
(7) "Habilitative or rehabilitative care" means professional, counseling and guidance services and treatment programs, including applied behavior analysis, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.
(8) "Medically necessary" means reasonably expected to do the following:
(A) Prevent the onset of an illness, condition, injury or disability;
(B) Reduce or ameliorate the physical, mental or developmental effects of an illness, condition, injury or disability; or
(C) Assist to achieve or maintain maximum functional capacity in performing daily activities, taking into account both the functional capacity of the individual and the functional capacities that are appropriate for individuals of the same age.
(9) "Pharmacy care" means medications prescribed by a licensed physician and any health-related services deemed medically necessary to determine the need or effectiveness of the medications.
(10) "Psychiatric care" means direct or consultative services provided by a psychiatrist licensed in the state in which the psychiatrist practices.
(11) "Psychological care" means direct or consultative services provided by a psychologist licensed in the state in which the psychologist practices.
(12) "Therapeutic care" means services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists under the direction of a certified behavioral analyst.
(13) "Treatment for autism spectrum disorders" means the following care prescribed, provided or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:
(A) Habilitative or rehabilitative care;
(B) Pharmacy care;
(C) Psychiatric care;
(D) Psychological care; or
(E) Therapeutic care.
(g) Except for inpatient services, if an individual is receiving treatment for autism spectrum disorders, an insurer will have the right to request a review of that treatment not more than once every twelve months unless the insurer and the individual's licensed physician or licensed psychologist agrees that a more frequent review is necessary. The cost of obtaining any review will be borne by the insurer.
(h) This section may not be construed as affecting any obligation to provide services to an individual under an individualized family service plan, an individualized education program, or an individualized service plan.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to require health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The bill sets forth the types of coverage required and requires therapeutic services to be provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. The bill also defines terms.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.