November 16, 2009

Delaware To Become First State In America To Ensure Developmental Screening For Infants And Toddlers

New Law to Take Effect Next Week

DOVER- Delaware would become the first state in America to require insurance carriers to cover medically appropriate developmental screening tests for children between birth and the age of three under a new law that will take effect Nov. 25. 

 The new law, which Gov. Jack Markell signed into law Aug. 27, will dramatically increase the number of children whose developmental delays are detected at a very young age when they can be successfully treated.

 “Early detection is the linchpin of successfully treating children with developmental issues,” Denn said. “For kids covered by private health insurance, this change in the law is expected to double the number who we successfully diagnose with developmental delays at a very young age.”

The change in Delaware law is a result of House Bill 199, which was signed by the Governor last August but allowed a 90 day period for insurance companies to prepare for its implementation.  House Bill 199 was written by Lieutenant Governor Denn, State Representative Terry Schooley, and State Senator Patricia Blevins, and was part of the Lieutenant Governor’s “Kids Agenda” this year.