Date: July 20, 2009
For more information contact: Jim Guidry, (608) 264-6239 or jim.guidry@wisconsin.gov

Commissioner Creates Working Group on Autism Mandate Implementation

Madison, WI—Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg announced the creation of a working group to assist in the development of administrative rules to implement recently enacted legislation requiring health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The Autism Working Group is composed of parents, lawmakers, providers, autism advocates, and insurers. The working group will make recommendations to the Commissioner on the administrative rule.

"All the parties at the table are concerned with the best way to provide treatments for autistic children and I am impressed by their dedication," said Dilweg. "I recognize that this is an important issue for families, and this group will have to address many important questions. I ultimately want to build a consensus so we can ensure kids with autism get the treatment services they need."

2009 Wisconsin Act 28, the state budget bill, requires most private health insurance policies to provide certain treatments for autistic children. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is directed by Act 28 to promulgate rules necessary to interpret and administer the new requirement.

The Autism Working Group has already begun its work and will continue to meet throughout the summer with the goal of concluding its work by mid-September. At that time, the group will submit its final recommendations to the Commissioner. The statute takes effect for insurance products that are issued or renewed on or after November 1, 2009.

"The legislature obviously agreed with Governor Doyle and placed autism coverage at the top of its priorities for this legislative session," said Dilweg. "The working group and I will see to it that the right rules are in place to provide insurers with the ability to comply with this law on November 1st."

During the recent meetings, parents and providers spoke about their daily experiences with treating autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects one in every one-hundred and fifty children. Autism experts have identified many techniques that are considered effective in helping children with autism.

The Autism Working Group's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st. During this meeting, the Group will review and discuss recommendations for the Commissioner to include in the rule developed by OCI. It is anticipated that the Commissioner will promulgate the rule on both an emergency and permanent basis to provide guidance to insurers prior to the effective date of the law.

More information on the Autism Working Group, including membership, meeting agenda's and materials can be found at OCI's Web site at: http://oci.wi.gov/advcoun/autism.htm.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.