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Utah Senate advances "Clay's Law" requiring insurer coverage for autism therapy
Summary
After testimony from two young men and a University of Utah pediatrician, the Utah Senate voted 17–11 (1 absent) to advance Senate Bill 43, which would require certain state‑regulated private insurers to cover evidence‑based autism therapies up to annual caps of $50,000 for children under 9 and $25,000 for ages 9–17.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate voted to advance Senate Bill 43, known in testimony as "Clay's Law," after senators heard emotional testimony and expert evidence about the effects of early behavioral therapy for children with autism.
Senate Bill 43 would require health insurance policies regulated by the state to provide benefits for research‑based treatments for autism spectrum disorders, limiting annual benefits to $50,000 for children younger than 9 and $25,000 for children ages 9 through 16; the bill also grants the insurance commissioner authority to adjust those amounts for inflation.
Two young men who described themselves as having recovered after early intensive behavioral treatment spoke directly to senators. "I ask each of you senators to vote yes on senate bill 43 because I believe every kid should have the same chance that I've had," said Clay, an 8‑year‑old who recounted how early treatment enabled him to attend school, play sports and participate in class. Andrew King,…
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