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RICHMOND
Insurance companies would be required to cover specialized autism treatments under a bill that has advanced to a Senate floor vote.
The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee voted 11-4 for the bill despite business and insurance groups' claims that it would increase premium costs.
Insurers argue the treatment is educational, not medical.
Sen. Janet Howell's bill would require coverage of those ages 2 to 6, with a $35,000 cap on claims. It would allow companies to opt out if the premium increased by more than 1 percent.
Coverage for state employees would not be required until 2015.
A similar bill died on a tie vote in a House subcommittee earlier this month.
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