Aetna Fined $4.5 Million for Covering Elective Abortion, Undercoverage of Autism, in Missouri
Missouri has fined a major insurance company $4.5 million for violating state laws regarding insurance coverage of autism spectrum issues and for covering elective abortions.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon announced Tuesday the $4.5 million settlement with Aetna, said to be the largest fine the state has ever doled out for insurance law violations.
"The landmark law requiring insurance companies to cover autism spectrum disorders was a great victory for many thousands of Missouri kids and their families," said Gov. Nixon in a statement.
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"This agreement demonstrates that we will hold Aetna or any other insurance company responsible to the people of this state — particularly children with autism disorders — to provide the coverage the law requires."
According to the settlement reached last week, Aetna admitted that it violated state law regarding coverage of elective abortions and coverage of autism spectrum disorders.
At issue were two state laws on insurance, one from 1983 that says elective abortions must come through optional insurance and a 2010 law that mandates coverage for certain autism treatments.
"Aetna reported that it paid nine claims on health insurance contracts and plans issued in Missouri for elective abortions without an optional rider for which there is paid an additional premium," noted the settlement.
"Aetna [also] failed to offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders to individuals holding certificates of coverage under policies issued to trusts, associations, or discretionary groups as required by [law]."
Rohan Hutchings, a spokesperson for Aetna, provided The Christian Post with a statement from the company via email on Thursday.
"Aetna takes its responsibilities to its members and to compliance very seriously. When we make mistakes we take steps to correct our errors and have already implemented resolutions," read the statement.
"We have been working closely with the Department of Insurance to rectify this situation."
According to a statement from the Governor's Office, this is not the first time that Aetna has run afoul of coverage laws and been fined.
"In 2012, the two Aetna companies also admitted to violating the autism mandate and paid a $1.5 million fine under a settlement agreement with the Department of Insurance," read the statement.
"The companies were required to undertake a full and complete audit to ensure compliance with all Missouri insurance mandates. Aetna admits it did not undertake that full compliance audit."
