JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — A new Arkansas law requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for treatments for autism.
The law went into effect on Saturday and mandates coverage for children with the disorder that impedes normal development of social and communication skills.
The Jonesboro Sun reports that providers who treat the disorder are optimistic that families with an autistic child can now get help that would otherwise be beyond their means.
Dayna Miller-Black and business partner Julie Adams founded a nonprofit clinic in Jonesboro to treat autism symptoms at little or no cost to parents. Miller-Black says many families had to be turned away because of high demand. She says that should change now that insurance coverage is required.
©2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
