The North Country’s two Republican state senators supported a bill that would require insurers in the state to cover treatments for autistic children.

The bill had passed in the state Assembly, and with Senate approval, goes to the governor’s desk.

“It’s outrageous that families have been told that their insurance will not cover therapeutic care, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy,” said Senator Ritchie of the 48th District.

Sen. Joe Griffo of the 48th District says the measure would save tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses spent by families caring for individuals with autism and address insurance companies’ refusal to cover costs for autism treatments and therapies.

The legislation requires insurance companies to provide coverage for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, including behavioral health treatments, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Insurance companies would be prohibited from terminating coverage or refusing to renew, adjust, amend, issue, or execute a policy solely because the individual has been diagnosed with or received treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

If this legislation is approved into law by the governor, New York would join 25 other states which have already enacted similar autism insurance reform laws.