NEW YORK-- Autism Speaks has created a fact sheet answering frequently asked questions about the new Michigan autism insurance reform law. The FAQs are here.
Autism Speaks Hails Signing of Legislation Making Michigan 30th State to Enact Autism Insurance Reform
Requires Coverage up to 18 for ABA, Other Therapies
LANSING (April 18, 2012) -- Autism Speaks hailed the signing today of legislation that makes Michigan the 30th state to enact autism insurance reform and the first to act since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued alarming new data on the prevalence of autism in America. The new law requires coverage up to the age of 18 for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech and occupational therapy for children diagnosed with autism.
"This is a tribute to the perseverance and dedication of families all across Michigan who fought for years to see this day become a reality," said Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks vice president for state government relations. "Lt. Gov. Brian Calley deserves special credit for helping to forge the legislative compromise that led to victory. With the prevalence of autism in the United States now estimated at 1 in every 88 children, the need to act has never been more urgent. Because Michigan chose to act, its families will soon be able to access therapies that have been medically proven to make a difference in the lives of children affected by autism."
Lt. Gov. Calley conducted the bill-signing in the absence of Gov. Rick Snyder who made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan. Autism Speaks worked closely with Michigan advocates and legislators to rally support and help shape the legislation.
The two autism insurance reform bills, SB.414, sponsored by Sen. Michael Green (R-31), and SB.415, sponsored by Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-5) , were introduced last summer and endorsed by Autism Speaks.
Thousands of Michigan families, in the absence of insurance coverage, have been forced to pay out-of-pocket or rely on taxpayer-funded programs for behavioral health treatments, which can cost $50,000 a year or more. Autism Speaks has helped lead the fight in statehouses across the nation to end insurance company discrimination against families raising children with autism. This year, Michigan has become the 30th state to enact autism insurance reform, the Alaska Legislature has just approved legislation, and states such as Louisiana and Vermont are moving bills to strengthen their existing laws.
The prevalence of autism has doubled since the CDC began tracking the disorder. A recent study found the cost to society is $126 billion a year, triple the estimate of just six years ago.
“The use of intensive intervention treatments, such as ABA, can substantially increase a child’s independence, thereby reducing future taxpayer costs for special education and social services,” said Unumb. “In states that have enacted autism insurance reform, actual experience has demonstrated the impact on premiums has averaged 31 cents per member per month, less than the cost of a postage stamp."
Autism Speaks Responds to Detroit News Editorial
DETROIT (April 6, 2012) -- The Detroit News today published "Snyder should sign autism bill," an editorial rebuttal from Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks' vice president for state government affairs.
April 5, 2012
Letter: Snyder should sign autism bill
By THE DETROIT NEWS
The News' April 2 editorial ("Snyder should veto costly legislation") urging Governor Snyder to veto autism insurance reform swallows hook, line and sinker the same discredited arguments the insurance lobby failed to sell in Lansing or any of the 29 other state capitals that preceded Michigan in enacting these laws. The usual undocumented "estimates" are trotted out, warning of astronomical cost increases should the insurance industry's discrimination against families raising children with autism be outlawed.
Fortunately, plenty of reality-based evidence can be found of the true cost impact of autism insurance. The Missouri Department of Insurance examined its autism insurance law after one year and found it covered 1.3 million residents, while impacting premiums by 0.1 percent — a fraction of what the insurance lobby had predicted. Indiana for the last 11 years has had a law on the books offering far more generous benefits than proposed in Michigan. Residents, last we heard, have not been fleeing.
Autism Speaks revisited fiscal projections that had been prepared by legislative analysts in other states and found they overestimated the impact by 293 to 1,261 percent. Vermont's fiscal analysts just discovered their predicted $10 million impact was off by $9.5 million.
Yes, Michigan is at a competitive disadvantage with other states. But now it has the opportunity to transform from "one of the 10 worst states to raise a child with autism" to one of the best, a factor many talented professionals will consider when deciding where to raise their child with autism. Sign the bill, Governor Snyder.
Lorri Unumb, president, state government affairs, Autism Speaks, Lexington, S.C.
LANSING (April 2, 2012) -- The office of Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley issued a series of Frequently Asked Questions to help families and caregivers better understand the three-bill autism insurance reform package voted out of the Legislature on March 29. Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign the bill shortly.
3-Bill Autism Insurance Reform Package Voted Out of Legislature, Sent to Gov. Snyder
LANSING -- TheHouse overwhelmingly approved the autism insurance reform bills, SB.414 and 415, by votes of 91-19 and a companion bill, SB.981, by an 84-26 vote. The Senate quickly concurred with amendments that had been added in House committee and sent the legislation to Governor Rick Snyder who said he will sign them into law.
Governor's Office Launches Autism Insurance Reform Site, Video from Lt. Gov. Calley
LANSING (March 26, 2012) -- Governor Rick Snyder's office has added an autism insurance reform page to its official website. The page is here.
LANSING -- The Senate approved the autism insurance reform bills, SB.414 and 415, by votes of 29-9. A companion bill, SB.981, was also approved by a 28-10 vote. The legislation moves next to the House. This is the furthest autism insurance legislation has ever progressed in the Michigan Senate. Gov. Rick Snyder called for autism insurance reform in his State of the State Address and the bills have strong support from Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.
Crain's: 'Revised autism bill in Senate would create fund to reimburse insurers for coverage claims'
DETROIT (February 29) --Crain's Detroit Business reported today on the introduction of SB. 981 by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) that would create a new state fund to reimburse insurers and third-party administrators for the cost of autism-related claims. SB981 would be "tie-barred" to the autism insurance reform bills, SB. 414 and 415, meaning it would not take effect unless all three bills are voted out of the Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
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.
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.
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:
April 18, 2012: Gov. Rick Snyder signs SB.414 and 415 into law making Michigan 30th state to enact autism insurance reform
March 29, 2012: House approves SB.414 and 415 by 91-19 votes, SB.981 by 84-26; Senate votes to concur with House committee amendments; bills head to Gov. Snyder
March 27, 2012: House Families, Children and Seniors Committee approves bills 7-0; sends them to House floor
March 13, 2012: Senate approves SB.414 and 415 by 29-9 votes; approves SB.981 by 28-10
March 8, 2012: SB. 414 and 415 approved 5-0 by Senate Health Policy Committee.
February 23, 2012: SB.981 introduced by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville
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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