Topeka ? Legislation that would require insurance companies to cover the treatment of autism appears to be on the ropes.

State Sen. Ruth Teichman, R-Stafford, who chairs the committee considering the legislation, issued a news release raising several questions about Senate Bill 12 and voicing concerns that the measure would increase insurance premiums.

“Unfortunately, the current economic situation in which the state and local government find themselves does not lend itself to increasing the costs of health insurance policies paid for by tax-supported entities,” said Teichman, who chairs the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

“The private sector is also suffering during this recession, and committee members are concerned about adding additional financial burdens to employers and their employees,” she added.

But Mike Wasmer, Olathe, of the Kansas Coalition for Autism Legislation, said Teichman’s comments are “a little maddening.”

The issues Teichman has raised have been addressed, he said.

For example, Wasmer said, Teichman said there is conflicting testimony that expanding autism coverage would raise premiums anywhere from 1 percent to 7 percent. But Wasmer said actuarial reports provided by his organization, including a third-party report, say the increase will be less than 1 percent.

The legislation would require insurance companies to cover the diagnostic evaluation and treatment for autism disorders.

Insurance companies and business groups oppose the bill, saying the increased cost of insurance may result in some employers dropping insurance coverage for their employees.

But Wasmer, whose 9-year-old daughter received a diagnosis of autism, said providing insurance coverage will result in more early diagnosis and treatment, which will save money in the long run.