Michigan

Michigan

Michigan Autism News:

Thank you to all those who attended the Task Force meeting in Ypsilanti on May 24 and in Detroit on June 21!  They were a huge success!  Stay tuned for information about two more upcoming task force meetings!

Bipartisan Legislative Task Force To Hold Educational Hearings On Autism Across State

Fiscal Impact On Families, Taxpayers Is Focus Of Hearings Announced During Michigan Autism Awareness Day At Capitol

LANSING, MI (April 27, 2010) – Looking to assess the needs of thousands of Michigan families struggling with autism, a bipartisan legislative task force will hold hearings across this state this spring to learn more about the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country. More than 1.5 million people nationally have autism, including more than 15,000 children in Michigan.

“We want to know more about this increasingly widespread condition and its impact on the families – as well as the taxpayers – of this state,” said Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, who will lead the task force along with Sen. Tupac Hunter, D-Detroit. “The financial implications of this condition must be looked at and considered.”

The hearings will be held in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Ypsilanti.

"Legislatures across the country are introducing and passing bills “that put an end to the discriminatory practices by insurance companies against individuals with an autism diagnosis," said Peter Bell, Autism Speaks executive vice president of programs and services. “We thank Sen. Richardville for having the courage to explore this issue further and to put families and their needs first."... Read more

Watch Representative Kathy Angerer on WJBK Fox 2 News - February 27, 2009 

Featured Michigan Headlines:

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


Summary of Autism Insurance Refom Bills:

House Bill 4476 - Sponsored by Representative Kathy Angerer

House Bill 4183 - Sponsored by Representative Richard Ball

  • Requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of  autism spectrum disorder (Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rett's Syndrome)

  • HB 4476 applies only to plans issued by BlueCross BlueShield

  • HB 4183 applies to other insurance company plans

  • These bills wouldrequire insurance companies to cover up to $50,000 for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy

  • These bills include coverage of the following treatments for ASD:
    • Therapeutic evaluations and interventions
    • Speech therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Physical therapy
    • Intensive early intervention
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
    • Lovaas Behavioral Therapy

  • The bills apply only to fully-funded health plans governed by state

  • Both bills have been referred to the Committee on Health Policy

 

 

 

Bill History:

June 24, 2009: HB 4476 and HB 4183 are amended and passed the House. The bills now head to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform.

June 9, 2009: House Committee on Health Policy passes HB 4476 and HB 4183 in vote of 19-0.  The bills now 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 - Rep. Kathy Angerer introduces House Bill 4476.  The bill is referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

February 5, 2009: Autism insurance reform bill reintroduced in the Michigan House applying to all insurance companies - Rep. Richard Ball introduces House Bill 4183.  The bill is referred to the Committee on Health Policy.

April 2008: Autism insurance reform bills introduced in the Michigan House and Senate - neither bill was acted on during the 2007-2008 session 


Helpful Links:


Media:


Photo Gallery:

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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