The health insurance conundrum

On August 13, 2009, New Jersey’s Autism Insurance Reform Bill, P.L.2009, c.115 was approved requiring state-regulated health benefits coverage for certain therapies to treat autism and other developmental disabilities. Sounds great, right? We at Interactive Kids were so excited for the vast opportunities individuals with autism would now be able to access when previously they were financially unable. Since the coverage began on February 9, 2010 we have received a steady stream of phone calls from interested parents wanting to begin service. On our end, we have spent numerous hours every day seeking the approval under each individual's plans with some success, but many hurdles exist for us to leap until final approval is achieved. At times, I think the process is intentionally difficult to navigate to discourage those who are covered from seeking the services their child desperately needs. For families the best way to begin to seek coverage is to call your mental health provider (usually on the back of the card) and ask what types of services you're entitled to under this bill and your current plan as it pertains to services provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.