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House approves two-year pilot for autism services for children ages 2–6
Summary
Fourth Substitute HB272 creates a two-year pilot combining a contributed autism treatment fund, a state-employee (PEHP) component and a Medicaid component for children ages 2–6; sponsors cited private donations exceeding $1 million and use of non-lapsing Medicaid funds; the House passed the bill 67–3.
The Utah House on Feb. 29 approved Fourth Substitute House Bill 272, a two-year pilot program designed to expand services for young children with autism. Representative Menlove, sponsor of the floor substitute, described three components: an autism treatment fund at the Department of Health supported by private donations and state contribution, a PEHP (Public Employees Health Program) option for state employees, and a Medicaid-funded component for low-income families. Menlove said private insurance companies and a major corporation have committed more than $1 million in donations to the fund.
Supporters described early intervention for ages 2–6 as cost-saving and effective. Representative Ivory said the program could ‘‘spend pennies now to save dollars later’’ and praised using non-lapsing Medicaid funds to support the pilot. Former special-education teacher Representative Watkins and others urged approval, saying delayed intervention worsens outcomes.
Opponents warned the pilot could become a permanent program and questioned fiscal sustainability amid budget constraints. Representative Harrod and Representative Frank expressed concerns about long-term costs and the possibility of expanding scope beyond the targeted age range.
Sponsors said the pilot is limited to ages 2–6, leverages private contributions and Medicaid mechanisms, and is designed to produce data during the two-year study. After extensive floor discussion and adoption of an amendment addressing language consistency, the House passed the fourth substitute 67–3 and transmitted the bill to the Senate.
