Ohio insurance plan to help children with autism

The change comes as the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to grow and after unsuccessful attempts to increase help for families in Ohio.

Gov. John Kasich pushed for the plan announced Friday after state lawmakers weren't able to agree on a similar proposal over the last months.

"We're doing the right thing," said Kasich, who said mandating the coverage is a lifeline for parents.

Parents will be able to get coverage beginning in 2014 through health insurance sold in the private market and in the upcoming federal health insurance exchange along with the state employee health insurance plan, state health officials said.

While the requirement will extend into private coverage, self-insured and large group insurers are not included, officials said.

Most private carriers currently don't offer coverage for children with autism, said John Martin, director of Ohio's Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Insurers will be forced to pay for assessments, treatment plans, speech and occupational therapy and treatment aimed at improving communication and social skills.

The number of visits and hours will be limited to keep costs down so that health care costs don't spike.