Blue Cross Blue Shield commits to autism coverage without mandate

On the eve of an expected vote on a legislative mandate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama committed to providing coverage for applied behavioral therapy for children with autism.

Some lawmakers supporting the mandate said it's still needed, partly because it would apply to public health insurance plans.

Sen. Trip Pittman, chairman of the Senate's General Fund committee, received a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Terry Kellogg saying it would cover autism diagnosis and treatment in its underwritten, large group plans covering 50 or more employees. Read more here.