Sunday, June 28, 2009

NJ Bill On Autism Insurance Closer To Becoming Law

A measure that would expand health insurance coverage for autism and other developmental disabilities in New Jersey may soon become law. The bill , which requires insurers to cover costs of autism treatments deemed medically necessary, such as physical, speech and occupational therapy, along with behavioral intervention , was overwhelmingly passed Thursday by the Assembly. That came a week after the Senate gave its approval to the measure, which caps coverage at $36,000 annually for patients ages 21 and younger. Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to sign the bill into law in the near future, making New Jersey the 14th state with such coverage requirements. A Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study based on research in 14 states found New Jersey has the country's highest autism rate, with 1 in 94 children having the disorder, compared to 1 in 152 nationwide. AP.

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