ATLANTA — State Representative Scot Turner (R-Holly Springs) today commented on the bill signing of House Bill 429 by Governor Deal. Gov. Deal signed HB 429 into law today, which includes the autism coverage requirement known as Ava’s Law.
“The passage of Ava’s Law represents access to hope and will give families who are dealing with autism a tool to improve the lives of their children,” said Rep. Turner. “And while there is still work to do to fight for these families, today we celebrate the culmination of nearly a decade of community activism. I want to thank those in our community that never gave up and continued to be strong advocates for these children. Georgia owes you a debt of gratitude.”
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 Scot Turner represents the citizens of District 21, which includes portions of Cherokee County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2013, and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Science and Technology, Special Rules, State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
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