Insurance committee chairman speaks on failure to vote on Ava’s Law
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia House of Representative’s Insurance Committee Chairman says there’s a major reason why Ava’s law hasn’t reached the floor for a vote.
The bill would insure costly therapy sessions, and medication for Georgia’s children who have autism.
41NBC spoke with Chairman Richard Smith who says large companies can chose to insure families, but small business have to determine whether or not it can afford insurance plans and premiums.
Smith says each time a mandate is added, small business premiums go up 1-3 percent.
“I have a real difficult time telling small businesses that they have to do something that large companies don’t have to do. To me it’s basically unfair.”
Smith adds if the parent of a child with autism works for a large company, they can request insurance coverage from their employer.