YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Health insurance companies will be required to offer autism therapy coverage under a proposal from the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

State law mandates coverage of the therapy called “Applied Behavior Analysis” but includes an exemption for small group and individual plans.

Representative Ryan Cwach of Yankton sponsored a bill (HB1236) that was defeated this session that would have included that coverage.

Cwach says federal rules allow the coverage to be offered.

Cwach says public pressure from the parents of the affected children had a big impact.

The plan has to go through a public comment and federal review period. Comments on the proposal are due May 15.