Illinoise Governor Calls Session on Autism Coverage

Governor Rod Blagojevich is calling legislators into another special session — this one to deal with insurance coverage for autism.

It’s the third attempt Blagojevich as made this year to require insurance companies to cover autism treatment. Lawmakers already are on their way to Springfield to take up an ethics bill Blagojevich vetoed but the House has voted to override.

Blagojevich wants insurers to cover up to $36,000 a year and unlimited doctor visits until age 21 for people with autism spectrum disorders. Currently only people in large insurance pools can get such coverage and only for mental health services.