Jun 29, 2009 9:26 am US/Eastern
N.J. Autism Insurance Bill Closer To Becoming Law
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) ―
A measure that would expand health insurance coverage for autism and other developmental disabilities in New Jersey may soon become law.
The bill requires insurers to cover the cost of autism treatments deemed medically necessary, such as physical, speech and occupational therapy, along with behavioral intervention. The Assembly overwhelmingly passed it Thursday.
That came a week after the Senate approved the measure, which would cap coverage at $36,000 annually for patients ages 21 and younger.
The bill now heads to Gov. Jon Corzine, who is expected to sign it into law soon. If that happens, New Jersey would be the 14th state with such coverage requirements.
"Families that have a loved one with autism should not be expected to shoulder the financial hardships of this disorder alone," said Vincent Prieto, D-Secaucus, who co-sponsored the bill with Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Brooklawn, and Assemblywoman Joan Voss, D-Fort Lee.
"Requiring health insurers to cover therapies for autistic children early in their lives ensures they receive the treatments they most need when it will make the greatest impact," Prieto said.
A Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that 1 in 94 New Jersey children have the disorder, compared with 1 in 152 nationwide.
Autism is considered a genetic-based disorder. Its cause has not been pinpointed and there is no known cure. The symptoms are wide-ranging and include poor speaking and eating abilities, self-inflicted injuries and inappropriate crying or laughing, according to Autism New Jersey.
"Treating autism spectrum disorders early ensures that these children learn basic life skills, which can have lifelong impacts, often mitigating some of the challenges faced by many adults with autism," Voss said.
Some people with autism have trouble learning how to do the simplest tasks, and supporters of the measure say insurers often do not cover needed treatment, or if they do, the coverage is for a limited time. Opponents, while sympathetic, contend it will drive up health care costs for small businesses.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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