Gov. McCrory Signs Autism Insurance Bill Into Law

CHARLOTTE, NC — North Carolina now requires some insurance plans to cover certain treatments for autism.

Governor Pat McCrory signed the Autism Health Insurance Coverage Act into law Thursday at the Government Center in Uptown Charlotte. It’s estimated that 1 out of every 68 children are born with some form of autism spectrum disorder.

McCrory says that number is higher in North Carolina, and that ASD is more common than cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis combined.

“Today I’m proud to say that we’re taking action,” said Gov. McCrory. “Action because of families. Action because of children. And we’re taking action because of good public servants who have been listening to you for several years, and we finally made it happen.”

The treatments covered in the bill include therapeutic care, psychiatric care and psychological care. Not all health plans have to offer the coverage, so check with your provider.