(Updated: February 27, 2009 at 12:12 PM CT)

A Michigan father is seeking class action status for his lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan claiming that the insurer should cover behavior therapy for children with autism.

At issue is whether or not behavior therapy such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is scientifically based or experimental.

Christopher Johns, whose son has autism, wants to bring together a class of people who have been denied claims by Blue Cross for ABA because the insurer says the treatment is experimental. The suit seeks damages and asks the court to require Blue Cross to cover future claims for ABA treatment.

A federal court judge heard arguments in the case Thursday. The judge decided to grant Blue Cross more time to file a response to Johns’ suit, reports The Detroit News. To read more click here and here.

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Previous stories on this topic:

Insurer Kaiser Sued For Declining Therapy For Kids With Autism (February 11, 2009)

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