Senator Tony Hwang Supports Bipartisan Efforts to Expand Children’s Behavioral Health Services and Autism Coverage

HARTFORD, CT—Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) voted in support of House Bill 8004, comprehensive legislation that included expanding access to children’s behavioral health services, increasing support for urgent crisis centers, and raising the age limit for autism-related therapies and insurance coverage.

The legislation strengthens the state’s Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee, directing it to study current behavioral health services, identify future needs, and improve data collection for school-based health centers. It also ensures that funds from the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Planning Grant are used effectively to improve care coordination and value-based service models.

The bill raises the age limit for mandatory private insurance coverage of behavioral therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder from under 21 to under 26, ensuring continuity of care for young adults and their families.

“This is an important step forward for families and their mental health well-being across Connecticut,” said Sen. Hwang. “We have a moral and social responsibility to support children and young adults impacted by mental health challenges and autism spectrum disorders. By expanding access, improving coordination, and ensuring insurance coverage continues into early adulthood, we’re giving families more stability and hope.”

The legislation language also calls for a review of Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) and directs the creation of a working group to examine private insurance coverage for treatment at urgent crisis centers, with recommendations submitted by October 2026.

Sen. Hwang, who has consistently championed youth mental health initiatives and family support services, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, saying “behavioral health care and early intervention save lives. This bill reflects the bipartisan commitment to helping our children and young adults grow into healthy, resilient adults.”