Legislation that would force health insurers in Virginia to cover expensive autism treatments faces a key General Assembly showdown.

A House subcommittee takes up a measure Tuesday by Republican Delegate and Henrico County neurologist John O'Bannon. It also will hear from Donna Shank.

Treatments for her seven-year-old son, Ryan Shank-Rowe, cost about $30,000 a year and haven't been covered by insurance. It's pushed her family to the brink financially and emotionally.

Virginia and 34 other states don't mandate insurers to cover a treatment called applied behavior analysis.

Health insurance and business groups oppose the bill, saying it would drive up premiums and costs for employers who provide benefits.

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