McCrory signs autism insurance bill into law in Charlotte

Governor Pat McCrory signed a bill in Charlotte Thursday that will require insurance plans to cover certain treatments for autism.

He signed the bill at the Mecklenburg County Government Center. The bill, which passed last month, will require some insurance plans to cover therapies proven to help children on the autism spectrum.

Coverage would be capped at $40,000 per year and would be covered for children through their 18th birthday.

The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce fought against the bill, saying it would raise insurance premiums, which would hurt small businesses.

South Carolina was one of the first states to pass such a law back in 2007. About 40 states have autism insurance coverage laws on the books.

McCrory said on Twitter following the signing that he was proud to sign the bill into law.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 9:13 AM with the headline "McCrory signs autism insurance bill into law in Charlotte."