Requiring health coverage of autism advances

by: Jason Springer

Wed May 20, 2009 at 01:30:00 PM EDT

The measure (A-2238) follows the 2007 enactment of seven laws that made New Jersey a national leader in providing support to families with autistic members.  It would require health insurers to cover the expenses of treatments deemed medically necessary for autism-spectrum disorders, which include Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger's Disorder and Rhett's Syndrome.  Insurance coverage would be extended to physical, speech and occupational therapies, as well as behavioral interventions.