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Members of the North Dakota House reversed course Wednesday and voted in favor of a bill mandating autism-related services from insurers in the state.

House members passed House Bill 1434 by a 61-29 vote. On Tuesday, the bill failed by a 47-43 vote, one vote shy of a majority needed in the 94-member chamber.

North Dakota is one of only a few states that does not have a state mandate on health insurance providers ensuring coverage for autism spectrum disorder services. HB1434 would help what they estimated as hundreds of families across the state that have been waiting for such services, according to supporters.

Prior to Wednesday’s successful vote, Rep. Aaron McWilliams, R-Hillsboro, agreed that having a minimum floor for coverage would be important for some residents.

“This is the opportunity we need to take,” McWilliams said of providing something the free market hasn’t quite achieved yet in North Dakota despite demand from families.

Opponents said such coverage is on its way, referring to testimony in committee from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. The company testified it's planning to begin providing coverage above and beyond what is being proposed in HB1434 effective Jan. 1, 2018.

“I firmly believe this will do more harm than good,” Rep. Roscoe Streyle, R-Minot, said.

(Reach Nick Smith at 701-250-8255 or 701-223-8482 or at nick.smith@bismarcktribune.com.)

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