Michigan

Michigan Autism News:

January 19 Update:

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."

Read more here.

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...

Autism Speaks Endorses 2011 Michigan Autism Insurance Reform Bills

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...

Autism Speaks Expresses Disappointment on Michigan Senate Failure to Approve Insurance Reform Legislation(December 3, 2010)

Michigan Lt. Governor-Elect Brian Calley Speaks out in Support of Autism Insurance Reform 

Fox News Interviews Michigan Lt. Governor-Elect Brian Calley, Who Has Joined Parents and Advocates in Calling on the State Senate to Pass the Autism Insurance Reform Bill (November 19, 2010) 

Last Task Michigan Senate Force Meeting Held October 5(October 6, 2010)

Bipartisan Legislative Task Force To Hold Educational Hearings On Autism Across State (April 27, 2010)

Autism Speaks Joins the Michigan Autism Community in Applauding State House Members for Passing Autism Insurance Legislation (July 29, 2010) 

Autism Insurance Bill Introduced in Michigan State Legislature (April 3, 2008)

Summary of 2011 Autism Insurance Reform Bills:

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