Bill proposed for autism insurance coverage
Michigan lawmakers presented a bill Wednesday that would require insurance companies to pay for autism treatments.
Currently, insurance companies in Michigan do not cover autism treatments, but do cover things such as cancer and juvenile diabetes, said House Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer, D-Dundee.
"I believe that's wrong. I think that is something our children need to live their daily lives," Angerer said. "They can't discriminate."
Autism is a disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills, according to the Autism Society of America's Web site.
Treating autism can cost a family $50,000 or more a year, Angerer said.
Anne Miller, assistant coordinator for academic affairs, said she has easily spent $25,000 to $30,000 on treatments for her autistic son, Scott, since he was born 17 years ago.
Anne Miller said the cost only includes what was spent out of her own pocket, she said.
She pays $250 a month for her son's medication.
"Nothing involving autism has been covered by insurance, period," Anne Miller said. "It doesn't matter how good your insurance is. You have to be very creative on how (to) find ways to get their insurances to pay."
Vicki Barnett, D-Farmington Hills, said this bill is really about fairness of medical coverage.
"With proven treatment therapies that work, why are we letting young children slip through the cracks?" Barnett said.
Scott Miller used to go to music therapy for $95 a session, once a week for more than a year and a psychiatrist once every three months, which cost $150 each session, Anne Miller said.
After arguing with the insurance company bought a special computer for her son from her own money.
The computer, called DynaVox, is used to help her son speak.
"It is his voice. It allows him to speak and tell us he is going to have a seizure or has to use the bathroom," she said. "Why would they pay for him to have a wheelchair and not pay for this?"
The computer cost $6,900, she said.
Its been frustrating, Anne said. Medical conditions are covered, but therapy specifically for autism is not covered under the label of autism unless a way is found around it, she said.
The Michigan House of Representatives will consider this bill, and Angerer is hoping the Senate will be on board.
"When health insurance companies discriminate against autism, a lot of children go without any treatments," Angerer said. "I'm optimistic because so many Michigan families are hurting. With this one simple change, children will be helped."
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan opposes the bills, saying they are government mandates, according to an article in The Detroit News.
A petition for this bill can be found at housedems.com/petitions.
metro@cm-life.com
