WARREN – State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) today threw his support behind a House plan that will require health insurance companies to cover autism treatments.
"As more and more children across our state are being diagnosed with autism, an increasing number of Michigan families are struggling to keep up with the high costs of treatment," Switalski said. "Ensuring equal coverage for all of our working families when it comes to autism is the right thing to do for our residents."
Autism, which refers to the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders, is characterized by difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. According to the Michigan Department of Education, an estimated 13,839 children in Michigan had some form of autism in 2008. Between 2001 and 2006, the number of children in Michigan public schools diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder increased by more than 100 percent, according to the Autism Society of Michigan.
Currently, most health insurance companies cover only screening for the disorder, leaving families with autistic children to bear the high costs of treatment on their own. Treating autism can cost a single family $50,000 or more annually.
"While there is currently no cure for autism, we do know that early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for an autistic child to reach his or her full potential," Switalski said. "That's why I support this plan to ensure children with autism receive the treatment they need."
In honor of National Autism Awareness month, Switalski urges residents who would like to get involved, help ensure access to effective treatment and promote research efforts for autism to sign a petition by visiting his Web site, house.mi.gov/jswitalski.