Current Dimensions Volume 7 Issue 1 - Spring 2011

by Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA-D

The State Department of Banking and Insurance issued a bulletin in January 2010 regarding the autism insurance law. This bulletin provides guidance to insurance carriers on how to implement this law that began on February 9, 2010, and it can be viewed online at http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/bulletins/blt10_02.pdf. 

Many of the items that Autism New Jersey and NJABA advocated for are included.

1)  Defining autism as autism spectrum disorders

2)  Defining “related structured behavioral programs” as ABA treatment packages

3)  Terms for common ABA techniques to improve communication between providers and carriers

4)  Providing benefits for services provided or supervised by BACB certificants (BCBA and BCBA-D) 

There is also other information included in the bulletin regarding the $36,000 cap for ABA services (that may not apply for some families) and how these guidelines intersect with Early Intervention Services (allowing families to submit their cost share for reimbursement). 

What kind of impact has this law and the bulletin’s guidelines had on your practice? How is it benefitting children and families? What changes would you like to see to maximize the experience for you and your clients? 

We invite you to provide feedback to us via Autism New Jersey at information@autismnj.org or 800-4-AUTISM. Their staff have a wealth of expertise on insurance issues and have produced a publication with frequently asked questions and answers on this important topic. The more we hear from you, the more we can advocate on your and your clients’ behalf. 

Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA-D
NJABA Government Affairs Chair
Autism New Jersey Clinical Director