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THE PULSE: Insurance Companies Balk At Autism

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Nov 14, 2008 8:19 pm US/Pacific

THE PULSE: Insurance Companies Balk At Autism

Reporting
Lisa Sigell
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ― According to some autism rights groups, caring for a child with autism, over a lifetime, can cost upwards of $5 million when behavioral therapy, medical bills and education are factored in.

It is no surprise, then, why insurance companies often balk at the idea of taking on a family with a child with autism.

In many familes, the money needed for basic therapy, treatment and education can be higher than a family's monthly income.

The group Autism Speaks has now gotten seven states to pass laws that forces insurance companies to cover treatment.

More states are considering bills that would require insurance companies to pick up the cost of behavioral therapies.

The insurance companies, meanwhile, argue this is more of an educational, rather than medical, need.

Sixty-seven American kids are diagnosed with autism daily.

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© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.