Michigan

Summary of MI Legislation

House Bills 5527 and 5529-Sponsored by Representative Kathy Angerer and Representative Richard Ball

Senate Bill 785 and 784- Sponsored by Senator Tupac Hunter

• The language of these bills is currently being revised by a committee including the sponsors of the bill, Autism Speaks, and other community stakeholders from Michigan.

Michigan News

RALLY of the Steps of the MI State Capitol for Autism Insurance Reform!

(Lansing, MI - April 22, 2008)  A rally was held today on the steps of the state capitol to push state legislators to hold hearings in both houses on the autism insurance bills. 

Almost 700 people turned out for the rally.  Presentations were made and signs were held in the air as parents expressed their reasons on why this legislation is so important to Michigan families affected by autism.

Autism Speaks was represented at the rally by Shelley Hendrix, Director of State Advocacy Relations.  Also, parent advocates, Stephanie and Justin Harlan presented their Top Ten Reasons Why Autism Insurance Legislation is Needed.  

Make sure to take a look at the Media section of this page for more coverage of the rally!

(Pictured above: Michigan Representative Kathy Angerer, Autism Speaks CAC Ann Breznai and her son Jarret)

Autism Insurance Bill Introduced in Michigan State Legislature

(Lansing, MI - April 3, 2008)  An insurance reform bill has been introduced in the Michigan State Legislature by Representative Kathy Angerer (D - 55) and Senator Tupac Hunter (R - 5)  that will require insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders.

Companion bills, House Bills 5527/5529 and Senate Bills 785/784, will require Michigan healthcare policies to cover screening, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.  

Treatments include but are not limited to speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, psychiatric services, and applied behavior analysis, as prescribed or ordered by a treating physician or psychologist.