SENATE BILL 197

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Cynthia Nava

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE; PROHIBITING EXCLUSION OF COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 22 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.--An individual or group health insurance policy, health care plan or certificate of insurance that is delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall not exclude coverage for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions otherwise covered by the policy solely because the treatment is provided to diagnose or treat autism spectrum disorder. For the purposes of this section, "autism spectrum disorder" means a neurobiological condition that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett's syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder."

    Section 2. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 23 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.--A blanket or group health insurance policy or contract that is delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall not exclude coverage for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions otherwise covered by the policy solely because the treatment is provided to diagnose or treat autism spectrum disorder. For purposes of this section, "autism spectrum disorder" means a neurobiological condition that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett's syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder."

    Section 3. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 46 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.--An individual or group health maintenance organization contract that is delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall not exclude coverage for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions otherwise covered by the policy solely because the treatment is provided to diagnose or treat autism spectrum disorder. For the purposes of this section, "autism spectrum disorder" means a neurobiological condition that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett's syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder."

    Section 4. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 47 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.--An individual or group contract for health care payments that is delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall not exclude coverage for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions otherwise covered by the policy solely because the treatment is provided to diagnose or treat autism spectrum disorder. For the purposes of this section, "autism spectrum disorder" means a neurobiological condition that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett's syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder."

      Section 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2007.

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