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Advocacy Efforts

Autism Speaks' Local Legislative Agenda

New Jersey becomes the fifteenth state in the nation to enact autism insurance reform. Autism Speaks joined New Jersey families and other autism advocacy organizations in applauding Governor Jon Corzine for signing the autism insurance reform bill, S. 1651/A. 2238, into law. New Jersey is the fifteenth state to enact legislation which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies. Attendees cheer on Governor Corzine as he signs the insurance reform bill The New Jersey bill requires insurers to cover up to $36,000 annually for a child with autism that is 21 years of age or younger. Coverage includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as an effective, evidence-based treatment for children with autism. www.autismvotes.org/newjersey


Autism Speaks' National Legislative Agenda

Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009
Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator Robert Casey (D-PA), and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have introduced comprehensive autism legislation, including a section addressing broad based federal autism insurance reform.

The ABLE Accounts Act of 2009
This bill will provide a tax preferred savings benefit for disability-related expenses.

The Cures Acceleration Network (CAN) Act
This bill is aimed at untangling medical innovation and accelerating autism research to autism cures.

Combating Autism Act (CAA) Appropriations
$184.4 million was passed for CAA as part of the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Department of Defense Autism Research Program Appropriations
$8 million was passed for the DoDARP for FY2009.

Other Supported Federal Legislation

Military Families and Autism Advocacy


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