Autism Parity

This is a new year, thus it is time to start contacting your new Representatives! It is on the docket here in Michigan to get Insurance Companies to cover Autism Therapies! As it stands right now, if children have a diagnosis of Autism, insurance companies deny coverage...straight out! Can you say DISCRIMINATION? Yep, that's all it is! Funny story (not funny at all, really)...we were trying to get Leah's appointments at U of M for her diagnosis of Autism to be covered with our insurance company ($2400, thank you). In speaking with the company, she stated, "We don't DO Autism!" Oh...well, I don't do discrimination!!!



So, I am asking that all of you consider contacting your Representative, either by making a quick phone call or by writing a letter. When people used to ask me to do this, I'd respond by saying, "But what do I say?" Let me help you...



"I come to you today to sign-on and to sponsor a the bill for Autism Parity.

There are so many families in _____ County as well as in the State of MI that struggles to fund their child’s (appropriate) therapy, for their individual needs! Please consider signing on and supporting families in their plight for Autism Parity!!!!

Warmest regards,______"



See, it's easy!!! You can cut and paste!!!!



Here is the website to find your Representative!!! Plug in your zip code!

http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp



If you are concerned about money...here is a document that states..."It's SOOOO worth it!"

AUTISM TREATMENT COVERAGE S.B. 784 & 785: COMMITTEE SUMMARY -- CONTENT Senate Bills 784 and 785 would amend the Insurance Code and the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act, respectively, to require an insurer, a health maintenance organization (HMO), and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder; and to provide that coverage under the same terms and conditions as the coverage for treatment of other disorders.Senate Bill 784 would apply to an expense-incurred hospital, medical, or surgical policy or contract and an HMO contract. Senate Bill 785 would apply to a BCBSM certificate.The required coverage would have to include therapeutic evaluations and interventions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, intensive early intervention, applied behavioral analysis, and Lovaas behavioral therapy. An insurer, an HMO, or BCBSM could confirm a diagnosis or review the appropriateness of a specific treatment plan in order to ensure that the coverage was limited to diagnostic and treatment services."Autism spectrum disorder" would mean a neurobiological condition that includes autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Rett's Syndrome.



FISCAL IMPACT There are two considerations in estimating the net cost of mandating coverage of autism spectrum disorder by health insurers: the cost of the coverage and the potential long-term savings from early intervention.Estimates vary as to the cost increase for insurers. Treatment for autism spectrum disorder is expensive, but it only affects a small number of enrollees. The general estimate is in the range of a 1% cost increase, which would equate to about a $2 million GF/GP increase for the State of Michigan. The cost increase for local governments would be of a similar magnitude.Estimates of potential long-term cost avoidance are much more difficult to quantify as there is no indication of any fully controlled random assignment studies of the effects of covering services. On an intuitive basis, it is clear that the cost increase would be at least partially and perhaps completely offset by long-term savings.


Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.



And if you need one more reason to give 5 minutes of your time for this cause...