Governor Jay Nixon and a group of Republican lawmakers have joined hands and are looking to push a legislation that would make it mandatory to include certain Autism therapies in healthcare insurance coverage. Last season, a similar attempt was made, but killed due to concerns over huge costs that would be involved. These concerns are still looming, but have not stopped Gov. Nixon from pledging that 2010 "will be the year that autism coverage becomes mandatory in Missouri".

Citing various examples where taking care of Autistic children and their treatment has ended up adding huge financial burden on parents, Gov. Nixon and the group of lawmakers is also calling for, in addition to providing insurance cover which could cost up-to $72,000 per year, prohibiting insurance companies from refusing or restricting treatments and therapies.

"We know that 1 in 100 kids are being diagnosed, and we know that 1 in 58 boys born today will be diagnosed", said Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, while explaining the importance of the legislation. Senator Schmitt has experienced Autism firsthand.

14 American states currently include Autism treatment in healthcare coverage, and Gov. Nixon is hoping that "Missouri can be a nationwide leader in diagnosing and treating autism".