Wisconsin Senate Passes Bill Requiring Autism Coverage

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Updated: 3:04 PM Feb 27, 2008 Wisconsin Senate Passes Bill Requiring Autism Coverage Insurance companies would be required to cover autism under a bill that passed the state Senate but probably will not go any further. Gov. Jim Doyle has been a strong advocate for the bill, which passed Tuesday under a 25-8 vote. Posted: 3:26 PM Feb 26, 2008 Reporter: Associated Press

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Insurance companies would be required to cover autism under a bill that passed the state Senate but probably will not go any further.

Gov. Jim Doyle has been a strong advocate for the bill, which passed Tuesday under a 25-8 vote.

But the measure faces opposition from the insurance industry and businesses that fear it would raise premiums.

Supporters argue it's needed to help autism patients get services.

The Republican-controlled Assembly is unlikely to take up the bill before it adjourns for the year within the next three weeks.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says families were being fooled into thinking the bill's passing the Senate was significant.