Committee backs autism bills

Monday, February 25, 2008
BY ELISE YOUNG
STAFF WRITER

A legislative committee Monday put its support behind six bills designed to help New Jersey children and adults with autism, despite objections from the health-insurance industry and some advocates for the developmentally disabled.The legislation – including a health-insurance mandate for the most promising therapies, help with housing and a school “buddies” program – next will move to the full Assembly for a vote. Concerns raised by lobbyists, advocates and a few Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee members suggest that some of the bills may be reworked.A representative of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans testified that coverage for people with autism could drive up costs for others. Christine Stearns, representing the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said the increased premiums unfairly would shift costs on small business owners.Three advocates for people with developmental disabilities objected to the creation of a public advocate for autism issues, saying it could drain resources for people with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation and other disorders. As a result, some committee members said they would support the legislation in the Assembly, but only if it more clearly defines how the state would staff and maintain such a position.Another bill would create identification cards for people with autism, who can have trouble communicating in emergency situations. The last would establish an official state Web site to help people with autism and their families learn about services.E-mail: younge@northjersey.com
A legislative committee Monday put its support behind six bills designed to help New Jersey children and adults with autism, despite objections from the health-insurance industry and some advocates for the developmentally disabled.
The legislation – including a health-insurance mandate for the most promising therapies, help with housing and a school “buddies” program – next will move to the full Assembly for a vote. Concerns raised by lobbyists, advocates and a few Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee members suggest that some of the bills may be reworked.
A representative of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans testified that coverage for people with autism could drive up costs for others. Christine Stearns, representing the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, said the increased premiums unfairly would shift costs on small business owners.
Three advocates for people with developmental disabilities objected to the creation of a public advocate for autism issues, saying it could drain resources for people with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation and other disorders. As a result, some committee members said they would support the legislation in the Assembly, but only if it more clearly defines how the state would staff and maintain such a position.
Another bill would create identification cards for people with autism, who can have trouble communicating in emergency situations. The last would establish an official state Web site to help people with autism and their families learn about services.
E-mail: younge@northjersey.com