A soon-to-be New Jersey law requiring insurance companies to pay for children's autism care is being hailed by advocates as a huge success.
Legislators have passed a bill requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of medically necessary treatment, including autism care, of up to $36,000 a year for people 21 years old and younger. Gov. Jon Corzine plans to sign the bill into effect soon. Once the bill is signed, New Jersey will become the 14th state to require insurance coverage for autism.
New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in the country. According to the CDC, one in 94 New Jersey children has autism as opposed to one in 152 nationwide. Advocates hope the new law brings earlier detection and better treatment.