2012 State Autism Profiles
MINNESOTA
DEMOGRAPHICS
In 2000, 2,783 or 2.54% of children ages 3-21 who received special education services in Minnesota have autism. In 2010-2011, 14,531 or 11.83% of children with disabilities ages 3-21 who received special education services have autism.
Table 1-1: IDEA Part B - Children with Autism in Minnesota for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
344 |
1,440 |
| Age 6-11 |
1,569 |
6,576 |
| Age 12-17 |
763 |
5,461 |
| Age 18-21 |
107 |
1,054 |
| Age 6-21 |
2,439 |
13,091 |
| Age 3-21 |
2,783 |
14,531 |
Source: Reported by the State of Minnesota in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA to U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Table 1-2: IDEA Part B - Children with Disabilities in Minnesota for 1999-2000 and 2010-2011
(Child Count by Age Group)
| Child Count in 1999-2000 | Child Count in 2010-2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age 3-5 |
11,512 |
15,076 |
| Age 6-11 |
45,810 |
49,832 |
| Age 12-17 |
47,782 |
50,131 |
| Age 18-21 |
4,409 |
7,811 |
| Age 6-21 |
98,001 |
107,774 |
| Age 3-21 |
109,513 |
122,850 |
STATE TASK FORCE
Autism Advisory Task Force
On May 17, 2008, the Minnesota Legislature adopted S.R. 176, establishing an autism task force. The task force was comprised of 20 members, including legislators, representatives of state agencies, and other professionals with an interest in autism. The task force reviewed and studied the availability of programs and services provided to individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, the task force assessed services provided for early screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The task force published its final report in March 2009.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/ommh/projects/autism/reporttogov2009.pdf
During the 2011 legislative session, H.B. 745 and S.B. 527 each attempted to create an autism task force to develop a statewide strategic plan that focuses on improving awareness, early diagnosis, and intervention and on ensuring delivery of treatment and services for individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, including the coordination and accessibility of cost-effective treatments and services. Neither bill became law.
STATE INSURANCE COVERAGE
The State ofMinnesotadoes not have a specific health insurance mandate on autism spectrum disorders at this time.
During the 2011 session, several bills were introduced that would have required autism services be covered by insurance in Minnesota. None of the bills became law. H.F. 204 required health plans to provide coverage for diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of people with autism spectrum disorder. The bills had no cap on age, no annual dollar limit, and required services be in accordance with a treatment plan prescribed by the insured's treating physician or mental health provider. Under the bills, treatment that requires coverage included, but was not limited to: evaluation and assessment services; Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); behavior services; speech, occupational and physical therapy; and pharmacy care. H.B. 204 was referred to Committee on Health and Human Services Reform. No further action was taken.
H.F. 1071 /S.F. 1020 required insurance coverage of treatment for individuals with autism, including a complete medical and psychological evaluation; measures for intellectual functioning, language development, and adaptive skills; and communication assessment by a speech pathologist. This bill would provide coverage for the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, and medically necessary care of autism spectrum disorders that is evidence-based, including but not limited to; Applied Behavior Analysis; speech, occupational and physical therapy; pharmacy care; and early intervention services. No action on the bill was taken.
Limited coverage may be available under the mental health parity law. Under the law, group health insurance policies that provide coverage for mental conditions treated in a hospital shall also provide coverage for treatment performed while the enrollee is not in a hospital. At least 80 percent of the costs incurred for the first 10-hours of treatment performed within a year are covered for the diagnosis and treatment of mental conditions, and at least 75 percent of the costs are covered for additional treatment provided under the care of a licensed physician, mental health clinic, or mental health professional with prior authorization. (MN Stat. §62A.152) Minnesota also requires health insurance policies to provide benefits for the treatment of children with emotional disabilities, including children with developmental disabilities, in a residential facility. (MN Stat. §62A.151)
EDUCATION
Minnesota Administrative Rules defines autism spectrum disorders as a pervasive developmental disorder that adversely impacts the student, requiring a need for special education. In order to be eligible for special education, a student with autism must be evaluated. The evaluation team assesses student and identifies impairment in social interaction, impairment in communication, and repetitive behaviors and activities. A clinical or medical diagnosis of autism is not required in order for the student to receive special education provided that the student meets eligibility criteria. (MN Rule Chapter 3525.1325)
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Minnesota Autism Project and Network
The Minnesota Department of Education, Special Education provides training and technical assistance, resources, and information on autism spectrum disorders to educators and school districts through the Minnesota Autism Project and Network. Additionally, the MN Autism Project coordinates Regional Low Incidence Projects and an interagency collaboration, called MN First Signs Project, to promote earlier screening for autism spectrum disorders.
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/SpecEdClass/DisabCateg/AutSpecDis/index.html
Other Legislation
H.F. 278 was introduced in the 2011 session, requiring the Commissioner of Health to solicit proposals for a medical home to provide evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment services for Somali immigrants with autism spectrum disorder. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Reform. No further action was taken.
Proposed in the 2011 session, H.B. 167 and S.B. 99 would do the following: require an autism research and report by the Commissioner of Health; require the Department of Human Services to train autism service providers; and require autism service option notifications for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare recipients. No further action has been taken.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES AND COURTS
In 2001, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota settled its lawsuit with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Under this settlement, the insurance carrier must cover mental health costs, as well as improve coverage for eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health problems
STATE LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
The Minnesota Legislature meets in Regular Session biennially for no more than 120 days. The 2012 session convened on January 25, 2012 and adjourned on May 10, 2012. The 2013 session is expected to convene in January 2013 and adjourn in May 2013.
http://www.leg.state.mn.us/
SPONSORS OF AUTISM LEGISLATION
Prepared by Easter Seals, Inc.; November 2012.
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