May 05, 2015
On April 16, 2015, Gov. Hickenlooper signed SB 15-015 into law. The new law relates to health benefit plan coverage for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Under the new law, group health plans offered in Colorado must provide coverage for ASD that is substantially equivalent to benefits for a physical illness and must not contain any limits on the number of services or visits. ASD is defined by reference to “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” and generally includes autistic and Asperger’s disorders.
Although the new law does not create any additional obligations for employers, Colorado employers with fully insured plans should reach out to insurers to discuss the new coverage requirements. The new law is effective for plans issued, delivered or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2017 (although the law encourages insurers to comply as soon as possible).
SB 15-015