A group of 30 parents is complaining to Virginia insurance regulators that health plans are deceiving consumers about coverage for autistic children.
The group, Virginia Autism Project, wants the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance to order clear disclosure of exactly what the plans cover and what they don't.
"All we want is the truth," said one of the parents, John W. Maloney of Henrico County.
The parents' complaint to the commission said it "stems from ongoing deception and obfuscation by health-insurance companies."
Maloney said Virginia health insurers deny payments for therapies recognized as the standard of care for autism, purely for business reasons.
He said they won't disclose that in marketing material or when consumers call and ask about coverage.
"There is a state law mandating the coverage of medical services for autism. Our members comply with this statute," said Doug Gray, executive director of the Virginia Association of Health Plans.
The problem, the parents say, is that medical services coverage is pretty much limited to doctor visits that end up with a diagnosis of autism, as well as any routine follow-ups.
It doesn't include speech, occupational or behavioral therapy.
"You can get diagnosis but you cannot get the care," the parents said in their complaint with the commission.
Because of that, they think the commission should order insurers to say they don't cover such therapies so consumers are not misled into purchasing unsuitable insurance.
Earlier this year, the state Senate approved legislation requiring that insurers cover behavioral therapy for autism, but the House of Delegates rebuffed the idea.
Contact David Ress at (804) 6496051 or dress@timesdispatch.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement