VIDEO: Gov. Nixon pushes for insurance autism coverage

KSDK -- Missouri Governor Jay Nixon wants to require insurance companies to cover childhood diagnosis and treatment of autism.

Nixon pushed the bill during Thursday's stop at the Juvedine Center for Autism in Olivette. The proposed legislation would mandate insurers cover up to $55,000 a year in services. Some parents say that treatment is particularly helpful.

"This coverage has been proven to work. Proven to make a night and day difference for families across our state," Nixon said.

This year, autism-coverage legislation passed by an overwhelming majority in the Missouri Senate but the bill was defeated in the state House of Representatives.

Opponents said it would increase insurance costs for everyone.