New Jersey Becomes the 14th State to Pass Autism Insurance Reform
NEW YORK, NY (June 25, 2009) – Autism Speaks today joined New Jersey families and other autism advocacy organizations in applauding the state’s legislature for passing the autism insurance reform bill, S. 1651/A. 2238, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies ( and other developmental disabilities) . The bill now heads to Governor Jon Corzine’s desk for signature into law.
The New Jersey bill requires insurers to cover up to $36,000 annually for a child with autism that is 21 years of age or younger. Coverage includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism.
In many states, insurers explicitly exclude coverage of these therapies from policies, which places a significant financial burden on families seeking to provide their children with necessary services. Thirteen other states – Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas – have passed similar autism insurance reform bills. Nearly thirty states had bills introduced in their legislatures this year.
“With the passage of this legislation, New Jersey joins the ranks of states that have recognized the unfair and unreasonable burden being imposed on families of children with autism,” said Elizabeth Emken, Autism Speaks vice president of government relations. “Autism insurance reform has gained significant national momentum.”
Source: www.autismvotes.org
A2238 – Requires health benefits coverage for certain therapies for the treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities. *
Passed both Houses
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=A2238
My thoughts on this ?
I think it is GREAT news for children and their families with disabilities.
It shall be an interesting process to see how all of this shall be implemented and monitored.
I did my part and contacted my NJ legislative representatives as a BCBA to pass this bill. Though I am concerned about those who are adults with disabilities, they also need behavior analysis supports too.
It is exciting that the families will have many therapeutic avenues that can accessed. Especially since many parents with children who have disabilities need training and coaching. Yes, parents can implement ABA programs and behavior interventions at home and in the community as long as they have an experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst ( BCBA) that is a very good one working with them.
Tags: health insurance, problem behavior, therapy
July 14, 2009 at 3:21 am |
We adopted three boys with various forms of autism and appreciate those who would blog on such an important subject. People more than ever need to be informed about autism and what life is like for those so affected since this debilitating condition seems to be on the rise.