ROBERTS: COVERAGE FOR AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY TREATMENTS QUICKLY MOVING TOWARDS REALITY

ROBERTS: COVERAGE FOR AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY TREATMENTS QUICKLY MOVING TOWARDS REALITY

(TRENTON) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. today praised the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for releasing legislation he's sponsoring to make New Jersey the 11th state to require health insurers to cover treatments for autism and other developmental disabilities.

A federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study based on research in 14 states found one in every 150 children diagnosed with autism, with New Jersey showing the highest rate at one in 94.

The measure (A-2238/S-1651) is also sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson)  and Assemblywoman Joan Voss (D-Bergen) and overwhelmingly passed the Assembly May 18. Following the Senate committee's vote, Roberts issued the following statement:

"Many New Jersey families already are being stretched to their financial edge -but without health coverage for their loved ones, countless families are bankrupting themselves just to give their child the potential for a bright future.

"This measure offers real and meaningful hope that they will not battle alone.

"Failing to help a child try to overcome the obstacles presented by these disabilities will lead to costlier problems later. Autistic and disabled adults who have not received the proper treatment will leave our families, communities and state with new and more expensive challenges.

"The committee should be applauded for recognizing this legislation as an incredibly sound and compassionate investment. The greatest cost would be the cost of doing nothing, not only for those trying to breakthrough these disorders and their families, but for the taxpayers of New Jersey."

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