Missouri House passes autism bill

Intro:	By an overwhelming majority vote, the Missouri House passed a bill that would require insurance companies to cover autism.
RunTime:	0:43
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The House voted 135-18 Thursday with members from both sides of the aisle supporting the measure.

St. Louis County Republican Representative Dwight Scharnhorst is the bill's sponsor.

He said the bill's minor costs to small businesses - which was the main opposition - will make a big difference in the way autistic children receive treatment.

Actuality:	AUTISM1.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "Through data compiled from the health insurance industry itself, it has been indicated that the increase in premium to the participant is less than one percent."

Jackson County Republican Representative Jeff Grisamore called the mandate historic and said it will set the bar for similar legislation across the country.

From the State Capitol, I'm Alex Klingelhoeffer.

Intro:	House members were tripping over each other Thursday to stand up and voice support for a bill requiring insurance companies to cover autistic children.
RunTime:	0:34
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The House passed the bill by an overwhelming margin - members voted 135-18.

Bill sponsor, St. Louis County Republican Representative Dwight Scharnhorst said the bill is good long-term planning.

Actuality:	AUTISM3.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "If these children aren't treated and these families aren't helped, society is looking at a cost per child of three to four million dollars."

Scharnhorst also said the cost increase to premium payers is less than one percent.

Kansas City Democrat Jason Grill said this bill will be one that other states will follow in the future.

From the State Capitol, I'm Alex Klingelhoeffer.

Intro:	House members on both sides of the aisle voted to pass a bill which would require insurance companies to cover autistic children.
RunTime:	0:40
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The house voted 135-18 Thursday to pass the mandate.

Jackson County Republican Representative Jeff Grisamore said the disease has reached what he called pandemic proportions.

Grisamore simplified the the measure's purpose.

Actuality:	AUTISM4.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: "It all boils down to one word: Discrimination. It is simply wrong to discriminate against children with autism spectrum disorders."

In the past, members raised concerns about the bill's cost to small business owners.

But bill sponsor, St. Louis Republican Representative Dwight Scharnhorst said the increased cost is expected to be less than one percent.

From the State Capitol, I'm Alex Klingelhoeffer.