The Cost of Autism and Healthcare in New Jersey

August 18, 2009

The cost of autism and healthcare in New Jersey

As the mother of two children in New Jersey - one with Autism - I have a lot of thoughts on the topic of Healthcare and proposed healthcare reform in both of state and our nation. On August 13, 2009 - Governor Corzine signed the NJ Autism Insurance reform bill. My husband and I were in attendance along with many other families, Autism activists and community leaders. We watched this history be made as the Governor signed S1650/A2238 which attempts to remedy the insurance discrimination that my family and the many other families affected by Autism Spectrum disorder has faced.

Now that NJ is the 15th state to implement Autism Insurance Reform - where does this take us going forward? And how will this be impacted by further healthcare reform that is proposed on a national level by our President Barack Obama? I recognize that there is a huge need for change to our healthcare industry and the rising costs that are crippling families like mine in New Jersey and across the nation. At the root of my concern is a fundamental sense of distrust for the government to "do the right thing" for the future of our children. Especially when this same government is at the root of many of our healthcare problems and poisoning our youth through such actions as state mandates forcing vaccination.

For topic day, join me on my couch and hear me out for a minute while I tell you how I really feel about Healthcare and how reform affects my family.

New Jersey Moms Blog post by MaryTara. MT blogs her adventures in parenting two beautiful children on the Jersey Shore, life with autism & without it, the gluten & casein free diet, and vaccination choice issues at The Bon Bon Gazette and raising a child with amblyopia at Adventures in Amblyopia.