Blagojevich rewrites bill for autism coverage

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is rewriting a House bill so autism treatments are covered by insurance.

Blagojevich and other proponents wants insurance companies to be required to cover up to $36,000 a year for diagnosis and treatment, including speech therapy and psychiatric services.

The bill would require insurance companies to pay for doctor visits until a child is 21.

The insurance industry has challenged similar mandates, claiming they lead to rising health insurance costs.

Blagojevich announced his bill revisions Sunday in Chicago. The bill now goes to the House.

Autism advocate Peter Dicianni says his family has spent about $80,000 on autism treatments for his daughter.

The governor's office says about 26,000 Illinois children have autism.