WICS Live: Around the States

New Jersey: State to Require Insurers to Provide Screening, Therapy for Children with Autism: Governor Jon S. Corzine (D) signed legislation August 13th, requiring individual and group health plans and health maintenance organizations in New Jersey to cover expenses associated with screening for autism and other developmental disabilities and provide medically necessary physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The legislation, which is effective 180 days after enactment, also requires insurers to cover up to $36,000 a year in expenses for medically necessary behavioral intervention for individuals younger than 21 who are diagnosed with autism. The mandatory benefit amount will be adjusted yearly for inflation beginning in 2012. Insurers are barred from denying coverage on the basis that the treatment is not restorative.