ALANNA DURKIN
Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — After hitting some bumps during the setup of the Affordable Care Act, advocates say they’re regaining momentum in their effort to expand private insurance coverage for the treatment of autism.

Since April, Maine, Utah, Nebraska, Maryland, and Kansas have approved new or expanded laws or regulations that will require private insurance companies to cover autism treatment.

In total, 37 states and Washington, D.C., have approved autism insurance laws. But they vary significantly in terms of which plans must offer coverage, as well as price and age limits.

Supporters say the state-by-state patchwork of laws can create confusion for families, cuts off coverage too early for some and leaves affordable therapy out of reach for many.

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