LANSING – In support of children with autism and their families across Michigan, Macomb county lawmakers today voted to pass a plan that requires health insurance companies to cover treatments for autism.
"As a teacher, I've experienced firsthand how autism can impede a child's ability to learn and grow," said State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond). "Many types of effective treatments exist that can play a critical role in helping children with autism reach their full potential. By ensuring access to these treatments, we can truly change the lives of the thousands of children and families in Michigan."
The national nonprofit group Autism Speaks estimates that one in every 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer and diabetes combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. According to the Michigan Department of Education, an estimated 13,839 children in Michigan had some form of autism in 2008.
"Too many families across Michigan are being forced to pay thousands of dollars each month because insurance companies refuse to cover autism treatments," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores). "When companies refuse to provide this care they are turning their backs on thousands of Michigan children and their families. We simply cannot allow this unfair treatment to continue any longer."
Unfortunately, most health insurance companies cover only autism screenings, leaving families to pay $50,000 or more each year for treatment. If untreated, it can cost approximately $3.4 million to provide care for an individual with autism over his or her lifetime. On average, treatment will cut that cost by more than half. The Center for Affordable Health Insurance estimated in March that including coverage for autism treatment in health insurance plans would raise premiums by less than 1 percent.
"While our fight to provide equal coverage for children with autism is not over, today was a big step in the right direction for families struggling to keep up with the high cost of treatment," said State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren). "I am pleased that my colleagues joined me to stand up in support of this important legislation and call for an end to this discriminatory practice in Michigan. I urge the Senate to do the same."