KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Parents with autistic children gathered in Kansas City Tuesday. They heard testimonies from physicians at Children's Mercy Hospital and from Missouri citizens at a House Interim Committee on Autism Disorders hearing.
Parents asked lawmakers last year to pass legislation that would require insurance coverage for autistic children's medical and educational expenses.
But insurance companies say the mandate in coverage would mean premiums would go up for everyone in the state.
Last year, state senators passed the measure but it never made it to the House floor.
Educators say early educational intervention is key.
Right now parents in Missouri have to pay for the treatments on their own.
State representative Dwight Scharnhorst had a grandson with autism.
"I waited 3 years for him to learn (how to clap his hands)."
His reaction to the progress in treatment? "Joy, pure joy!"
The committee will consider putting together another bill before next legislative session.
Gov. Jay Nixon has encouraged lawmakers to pass the legislation next session.
