LANSING – With a unanimous, bipartisan vote today, the House Health Policy Committee passed House Bill 4476, introduced by House Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) requiring health insurance companies to cover autism treatments.
"We are now one step closer to helping the families of 14,000 children in Michigan with autism," Angerer said. "My bill will end the arbitrary discrimination against our children and will give kids with autism the best chance to reach their full potential. I'm proud to stand with thousands of Michigan families in this fight for our children."
The national nonprofit Autism Speaks estimates that today, 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 "Benefit-Cost Analysis of Michigan Autism Insurance Coverage," a study by Jon Hockenyos and James N. Bouder, who also testified before the committee, 47 percent of children who undergo treatment for autism will recover "typical" function. Another 40 percent will make significant improvement, although continuing to show traits of the disorder.
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 2009 that including coverage for autism treatment in health insurance plans would raise premiums by less than one percent.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Michigan families in this fight for our children as this bill comes before the House for a full vote," Angerer said. "Together we can raise autism awareness and make sure all of our children reach their full potential. The time to act is now."