Snyder to Legislature: Let's Address Autism in 2012
LANSING, MI (January 19, 2012) -- Gov. Rick Snyder, in his 2012 State-of-the-State Address, called on the Michigan Legislature to address autism insurance reform in the coming year. His remarks drew a standing ovation.
"I ask the Legislature to continue their work on autism and the Michigan Health Marketplace," Snyder was quoted by the Detroit Free Press. "There are now medically proven treatments for autism. Twenty-seven (29) other states already require insurers to cover evidence-based therapies for autism. The human and financial costs of autism are too high. let's address this important topic."
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley (below left), a strong supporter of autism insurance reform, met with Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton), prior to the address. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Colbeck's office.)
House Democrats Urge Action on Insurance Bills
LANSING (Dec. 7, 2011) -- House Democrats led by Rep. Lisa Brown held a Statehouse press conference to call on the Republican leadership to move HB.4604 and 4605, the two autism insurance reform bills. Read the press release.
News Coverage: AP ABC-12, Flint
Detroit News Commentary Demonstrates that 'Adding autism coverage saves Michigan money'
DETROIT (October 27, 2011) - Paul Welday, the president of the Michigan Autism Insurance Reform Coalition, argued in an opinion piece published today in the Detroit News, that providing behavioral treatment for children with autism is the responsibility of insurers, not taxpayer-supported public schools. Read 'Adding autism coverage saves Michigan money."
Actuarial Study: Taxpayer Savings From Autism Insurance Bills Could Offset Increase in Premiums
NEW YORK, NY (October 12, 2011) –An actuarial study commissioned by Autism Speaks concludes that a pair of autism insurance reform bills before the Michigan legislature could reduce the need for taxpayer-funded special education and medical programs, offsetting an estimated 0.36 percent impact on premiums. Read more...
Michigan State Study Questions Effectiveness of Public Schools in Serving Students with ASD
LANSING, MI(September 19, 2011) -- The Michigan State University College of Education has published a study that identifies shortcomings in the level of training among Michigan public school professionals for educating students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study findings further bolster arguments that behavioral treatment therapies should be provided by medical professionals as a covered insurance benefit.
The executive summary of the study, "Educating Michigan’s Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Initial Exploration of Programming," is here.
Autism Speaks Hails Michigan Gov. Snyder for Support of Autism Insurance Reform, Urges Speedy Senate Action
NEW YORK, NY (September 14, 2011) –Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today applauded Michigan Governor Rick Snyder for his strong statement in support of legislation that would assure Michigan families caring for children with autism receive the insurance coverage they deserve. Read more...
NEW YORK, NY (June 9, 2011) – Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, today announced its support for a pair of newly introduced bipartisan bills (SB 414/SB 415) which would reform autism insurance coverage in Michigan. The legislation would require private health insurance companies regulated by Michigan law to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD.) Read more...
Senate Bill 414 - Sponsored by Sen. Michael Green (R-31)
Senate Bill 415 - Sponsored by Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-5)
Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
SB 414 and SB 415 apply to different types of health care plans governed under Michigan law
Includes the following care prescribed or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the autism spectrum disorders by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:
Behavioral health treatment, including Applied Behavior Analysis up to $50,000 per year for individuals up to the age of 18
Pharmacy
Psychiatric care
Psychological care
Therapeutic care
The bills apply only to fully funded health plans governed by state law
Bill History:
June 8, 2011: Autism insurance reform bills (SB 414/415) introduced in the Senate; referred to Senate Health Policy Committee.
2009-10 SESSION: December 3, 2010: Legislative session ends without passage of autism insurance reform.
December 1-2, 2010: Senate Republican Caucus holds meeting to discuss bringing autism insurance reform to the floor. Senate adjourns without passage of reform.
June 24, 2009: HB 4476 and HB 4183 are amended and pass the House.
June 9, 2009: House Committee on Health Policy passes HB 4476 and HB 4183 in vote of 19-0. The bills head to the House floor.
June 2, 2009: The House Committee on Health Policy holds a hearing on HB 4476 and HB 4183. No vote is held.
February 26, 2009: Autism insurance reform bills reintroduced in the Michigan House applying to BlueCross BlueShield insurance plans.
February 5, 2009: Autism insurance reform bill reintroduced in the Michigan House applying to all insurance companies.
April 2008: Autism insurance reform bills introduced in the Michigan House and Senate - neither bill was acted on during the 2007-2008 session
Pictures from the Autism Votes Booth at the Southeast Michigan Walk on October 12, 2008:
Above: Detroit Area CAC, Mara Husband, working the Autism Votes booth
Above: The booth was very busy with people signing petitions, registering for Autism Votes, and getting information on Autism legislation in MI
Above: Volunteers gather signatures for petitions at the AV booth
Above: People line up to sign petitions at the booth
Above: Volunteers, Carolyn and Kara, hard at work at the AV booth
Above: Patricia, one of our super hard working volunteer walkers, dropping off full petitions and picking up new ones before heading out to gather more signatures
Thank you to the entire Southeast Michigan walk community for a great Autism Votes Booth at the 2008 Walk!
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