Coverage for Autism Treatments Now the Rule in NJ
Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation on Thursday making New Jersey the 14th state in the nation to require insurance companies to cover treatments for autism and other developmental disabilities.
Under the bill, medically necessary speech, occupational and behavioral therapy must be covered up to $36,000 a year for individuals under 21 years old.
“We have made the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders a top priority in New Jersey,” Governor Corzine said. “The legislation I signed recognizes there must be appropriate resources to treat and care for individuals with autism, and provide their families the support they need. By doing so, we enable those affected with autism to function as independent, productive, and empowered individuals and ease the burden of their loved ones.”
Autism is a spectrum of disorders that affects the development and functioning of a person’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, social interactions and behavior patterns. New Jersey has the highest autism rate of any state in the nation. About 1 in 94 children in this state have been diagnosed with the disorder compared to the national average of 1 in 150
In 2007, Governor Corzine signed a package of bills designed to improve autism treatment, training, education and research in the state. These measures resulted in the creation of a statewide autism registry; mandated autism guidelines for healthcare professionals; transfer of the Governor’s Council on Medical Research and Treatment of Autism to the Department of Health and Senior Services; funding of six “Centers of Excellence;” development of autism/developmental disabled training for first responders and creation of the Adults with Autism Task Force.
Under the bill, medically necessary speech, occupational and behavioral therapy must be covered up to $36,000 a year for individuals under 21 years old.
“We have made the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders a top priority in New Jersey,” Governor Corzine said. “The legislation I signed recognizes there must be appropriate resources to treat and care for individuals with autism, and provide their families the support they need. By doing so, we enable those affected with autism to function as independent, productive, and empowered individuals and ease the burden of their loved ones.”
Autism is a spectrum of disorders that affects the development and functioning of a person’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, social interactions and behavior patterns. New Jersey has the highest autism rate of any state in the nation. About 1 in 94 children in this state have been diagnosed with the disorder compared to the national average of 1 in 150
In 2007, Governor Corzine signed a package of bills designed to improve autism treatment, training, education and research in the state. These measures resulted in the creation of a statewide autism registry; mandated autism guidelines for healthcare professionals; transfer of the Governor’s Council on Medical Research and Treatment of Autism to the Department of Health and Senior Services; funding of six “Centers of Excellence;” development of autism/developmental disabled training for first responders and creation of the Adults with Autism Task Force.
Related Links
- Read the Press Release
- View Photos From the Event
