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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Senate has given initial approval to a bill that would require insurance companies to cover autism treatment for children younger than 17.
Senate Bill 43, known as Clay's Law, would require insurance companies to provide $50,000 in coverage for children younger than 9 and $25,000 in coverage for children 9 to 16.
Although the bill passed 17-11 on its second reading Wednesday, some senators indicated they might change their vote when it's read one more time. That's because they say they're opposed to government mandates.
Some fear the mandate would increase insurance premiums enough that some people will no longer be able to afford private health insurance.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
