NJ Autism Insurance Reform Bill Passed

S. 1651/A. 2238, AUTISM INSURANCE REFORM BILL, passed by New Jersey State Legislature on Thursday, June 25, 2009. The New Jersey state legislature passed S. 1651/A. 2238, the autism insurance reform bill, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. The bill now heads to Governor Jon Corzine’s desk for signature into law. Autism New Jersey, New Jersey families who are impacted by autism, Autism Speaks, and other autism advocacy organizations congratulate the state legislature for bringing this critical piece of legislation to fruition. Through this legislation insurers are accountable to cover up to $36,000 annually for a child with autism who 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. This truly is a significant triumph for all New Jerseyans impacted by autism. Prior to the passing of this legislation many New Jersey families were left to carry the significant financial burden of extraordinary health costs in order to provide their children with necessary services. New Jersey now becomes the 14th state to pass autism insurance reform. 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.

BILL HISTORY

June 25, 2009: The Assembly concurs on passage of S. 1651. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for signature into law

June 18, 2009: S. 1651 is passed by the State Senate! The bill must go back to the Assembly for concurrence

June 15, 2009: S. 1651 is passed by the Senate Committee on Budget and Appropriations.

May 21, 2009: A. 2238 passed by the State Assembly! The bill now heads to the State Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee.

May 18, 2009: S. 1651 is passed by the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

May 18, 2009: Committee Substitute for A. 2238 is passed by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. The bill now heads to the Assembly floor for a vote.

May 5, 2008: Autism insurance reform bill, S. 1651, introduced in the State Senate. The bill is referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.

February 25, 2008: Autism insurance reform bill, A. 2238, introduced in the State Assembly. The bill is referred to the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.