The bill amends the existing laws regarding coverage for autism spectrum disorders under health insurance policies in Rhode Island. It expands the scope of mandatory coverage to include both group and individual health insurance contracts, effective January 1, 2012. The bill removes previous exclusions that prevented certain contracts from being subject to these provisions. Additionally, it specifies that benefits must include coverage for various therapies and services related to autism spectrum disorders, and it eliminates the age limit for coverage, which previously ended at age fifteen. Starting January 1, 2026, benefits will no longer be restricted by the age of the covered individual.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that mandates reimbursement rates for applied behavior analysis services. Effective January 1, 2026, health insurance carriers must reimburse certified applied behavior analysis providers at rates equal to or greater than the prevailing integrated state Medicaid rate. This change aims to ensure that individuals receiving these services have access to adequate financial support for their treatment. The act will take effect upon passage.