JPMorgan Chase Bolsters Its Employee Health Plan with Autism Benefits

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is adding autism benefits for employees participating in the company's health plan, the company reported.

Effective January 1, 2014, intensive behavior therapy for treatment of autism spectrum disorders, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, will be a covered benefit for employees and their families, the company noted in a release.

"JPMorgan Chase is excited to offer ABA Therapy and provide this important treatment alternative for the children of our employees," said Stephen Cutler, JPMorgan Chase General Counsel and Advisor to Access Ability, the firm's Business Resource Group (BRG) for employees affected by disabilities. "One in 88 children is diagnosed with Autism. With almost 160,000 employees enrolled in our U.S. medical plan, we are confident that this important new offering will change the lives of many of our employees."

"For many years, my son was unable to receive the necessary treatments he needs, due to a lack of insurance treatment coverage. This change will allow us to provide a therapy that will help him prosper," said Michael Giangregorio, Vice President in U.S. Fixed Income at JPMorgan Chase. "Thank you to the leadership of JPMorgan Chase for recognizing this need and for taking the necessary steps to help ensure that my son reaches his fullest potential."

ABA Therapy focuses on increasing positive behaviors while reducing those that cause harm.

"We constantly review our benefits programs and offerings to make sure they address the needs of our employees and their families," said John Donnelly, head of Human Resources, JPMorgan Chase & Co. "I am particularly pleased about this new benefit as I have been actively involved in helping children with autism as a supporter of Heeling Autism, a program sponsored by Guiding Eyes for the Blind that enhances safety, companionship and opportunities for independence for autistic children."

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