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