Supporters of a bill that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of autism treatments for children say coverage could save the state millions of dollars and prevent costly services in adulthood.

Senate Bill 2054, also known as Luke’s Law, would mandate that health insurers, mutual benefit societies and health maintenance organizations provide coverage for children with autism spectrum disorder, a benefit that would drive up premium rates.

Mihoko Ito, an attorney for Autism Speaks, a national research and advocacy group and member of the coalition Hawaii Families for Insurance Fairness, said the state Department of Education spends $37 million a year on special-needs services for children with autism.

The state Department of Health also serves about 300 adults with autism at an annual cost of between $200,000 and $900,000 per adult, an expense that could be reduced with early intervention, she said.

"When you add all those costs up, it’s a pretty significant cost to the state," she said.

"By treating these children, studies show about half of them can become mainstream without needing additional services."

Ito estimates there are several thousand children with autism in Hawaii.

Without insurance coverage, parents can pay up to $60,000 annually out of pocket for treatment, according to Hawaii Families for Insurance Fairness, which held a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol to address the issue.

"We have been paying our health insurance premiums but we are denied benefits for our children who have autism," said Geri Pinnow, mother of 14-year-old Luke, after whom the bill is named. "Some families have drained their retirement savings or sold their houses to make sure their children get the care they need."

In testimony opposing the legislation, Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state’s largest health insurer, said the cost of providing these services must be borne by the state under the federal Affordable Care Act.

"While the bill attempts to shield the state from bearing the cost burden, it does not do so," Jennifer Diesman, HMSA’s vice president of government relations, said in her testimony. "We believe it is critical to have a financial analysis of the cost of providing coverage for screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders."