Mandating Insurance Coverage for Autism and developmental disabilities

by: Jason Springer

Thu Aug 20, 2009 at 11:57:06 AM EDT

Calling it the reason he got into public life, Governor Corzine signed legislation last Thursday making New Jersey the 15th state to mandate health insurers cover treatments for autism and developmental disabilities.

Here's a video put out by the Assembly Majority Office from the bill signing:

And here's a video put out by the Governor's campaign where a mother of a child with autism casts there fight as one of David versus Goliath when talking about fighting with the insurance companies to get things covered:

A studay of fourteen states by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found one in every 150 children diagnosed with autism, with New Jersey shaving the highest rate in the country with one in 94. The reason for the higher rates have been a constant source of questions.

On the politics of the issue, you may remember that autism coverage was one of the many treatments named during the dust up over Chris Christie's health insurance proposals and his idea to offer mandate free insurance. One of the sponsors of the new autism coverage law, Steve Sweeney took aim at Christie yesterday over the issue:

"It's outrageous that Christie would let insurers off the hook - they should cover these treatments that can make a real difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families," said Sweeney. "Governor Corzine and Democrats in the Legislature worked hard to make New Jersey a national leader in providing support for the thousands of families who are living with the challenges of autism. Christie would stop New Jersey's progress and families would again have to mortgage their futures to pay for the immediate health needs of their children."
Sweeney said the Governor's running mate, Loretta Weinberg, also has been a strong advocate for New Jersey families with a loved one with autism. He said that as prime sponsor of the new law she worked tirelessly to ensure the legislation passed both the Senate and Assembly in June.

The health insurance issue and mandates is certain to be a focus of the campaign in the fall. In the mean time under the new law, families should have one less concern when caring for their children.

Jason Springer :: Mandating Insurance Coverage for Autism and developmental disabilities