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House passes autism program amendments to codify 2012 pilots, serve limited number of young children
Summary
House Bill 88 codifies three autism pilot programs (Medicaid waiver, autism treatment account, PEHP pilot), would serve about 270 children ages 2–6 and passed the House 67–3; sponsors and parents described positive outcomes and cited per‑child cost estimates.
The Utah House passed House Bill 88 to codify and continue a set of autism pilot programs that began in 2012. Representative Menlove, the bill sponsor, told members the legislation incorporates the Medicaid autism waiver, the autism treatment account and the PEHP autism treatment pilot into code and would serve roughly 270 children aged 2–6.
Representative Menlove described outcomes from the pilots and distributed summary sheets showing enrollment and assessment results. He said the average annual per‑child cost in the autism treatment account was about $29,000, the Medicaid waiver averaged roughly $21,500 per child per year (a state/federal combination due to Medicaid matching), and the PEHP pilot averaged about $19,000, of which families paid approximately $4,000.
Members heard testimony from parents and sponsors who described marked improvements in communication and social behavior for children in the pilots. Menlove, who said he holds a Ph.D. in special education, described program components, paraprofessional delivery models and 30 years of supporting research. He acknowledged the program does not reach every child who needs services but said it represents an important step and asked for support.
The House voted to pass HB88 with 67 yea and 3 nay. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
