Beiser bill backs dental-sedation coverage for autistic patients

From Illinois Business Journal news services

SPRINGFIELD. – State Rep. Dan Beiser, D-Alton, is sponsoring legislation to require insurance companies to cover sedation during dental procedures involving younger autistic patients.

“As a former special education teacher, I understand that children with developmental disabilities sometimes need different accommodations for even routine medical procedures,” Beiser said. “This measure will help parents keep their children healthy and decrease the thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket costs they often face when taking their child to the dentist.”

Beiser is co-sponsoring House Bill 235, which calls for requiring insurance companies to cover such sedation for individuals aged 26 and younger who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Autistic patients often require sedation for regular dental exams and surgery, which can cost parents and guardians thousands of dollars. Under current law, insurance companies are only required to cover sedation for children under the age of 6.

“It is important to make dental care as accessible and affordable as possible,” Beiser said. “I am committed to working with my colleagues to find solutions that help families who have children with special needs get the care that they need.”