Legislators in New Jersey have approved a measure that would require health insurance companies to cover treatments for autism and other developmental disabilities.

With the signature of Gov. Jon Corzine, New Jersey would become the 14th U.S. state to pass such a law requiring insurers to provide coverage for expenses incurred in the screening and diagnosing of autism or another developmental disability.

The legislation (A-2238/S-1651) caps coverage at $36,000 per year through 2011, for treatments including behavioral, physical, occupational therapy. The cap would then be adjusted after 2011, based on inflation.

The New Jersey Senate approved the measure 35-0 June 18 and the Assembly voted 74-5 to approve the legislation June 25. The bill now heads to Corzine for his signature.

Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden), one of the co-sponsors of the bill, praised his colleagues decision to more the legislation forward.

“Many New Jersey families are being stretched to their financial edge – but without health coverage for their loved ones, countless families with an autistic child are bankrupting themselves to give their child the potential for a brighter future,” Roberts said in a statement. “Autistic and disabled adults who have not received the proper treatment will leave our families, communities and state with new and more expensive challenges.”

Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson), another co-sponsor of the bill, said New Jersey families “should not be expected to shoulder the financial hardships of this disorder alone.”

“By requiring health insurers to cover therapies for autistic children early in their lives ensures they receive the treatments they most need when it will make the greatest impact – oftentimes these therapies represent a new lease on life for autistic children and their families.”