Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Detroit News Editorial.....Autism Insurance Bills
The following is a link to an "Editorial Rebuttal" written by Stephanie Harlan ( printed in the Detroit News on 12/21).
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712210339
Please take a few minutes and send your rebuttal to the Detroit News as well....
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712210339
Please take a few minutes and send your rebuttal to the Detroit News as well....
Monday, December 17, 2007
ACT NOW!
The Detroit News has published an editorial article "opposing" the autism legislation that will end the insurance companies discrimination against people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. I will post the letter I wrote to them in response to their editorial. Please take a few moments and write your own thoughts. It is very important that we show the unions that oppose this legislation that we will not "lay down and die". We will fight, if necessary, to get this legislation passed. There are many in congress who are working hard to pass this legislation and come to the AID of our children & families.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130317
Here is how to contact The Detroit News:
You can send letters to The Detroit News Editorial Page three different ways:
E-mail letters@detnews.com.
Fax us at (313) 222-6417.
Mail a letter to The Detroit News, Letters, Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226. Please include home and work phone numbers, plus city of residence, for verification.
We prefer letters of 250 words or less. Direct rebuttals to editorials may be up to 300 words. Letters are subject to editing and become the property of The Detroit News. We do not consider letters to other publications.
Commentary
The Detroit News accepts submissions of commentaries between 600 and 750 words on current public policy and societal issues on the local, state, national and international scene. The work must be the author's own and it must be exclusive to The Detroit News in Southeast Michigan. We do not accept articles that have been submitted to the Free Press.
Please submit to Richard Burr, Associate Editor / Features, Editorial Page, The Detroit News, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226, or fax to (313) 222-6417, or e-mail to comment@detnews.com.
Here is the letter I wrote:
I am deeply disturbed by your recent editorial "Head off latest health insurance mandate" that was written on Thursday, December 13th. In the article you state "It remains a costly idea". If you take the time to investigate further it will not take long for you to uncover that , in fact, autism is not omitted as a covered benefit in many states across our great nation...it is included as a covered benefit in Canada, as well. How do they manage to cover autism treatments? With a little bit of research, you will soon uncover that these necessary treatments for autism are deliverable with little impact to insurance costs. I think that once the public is fully informed, your scare tactics and your agenda will not produce "your desired effect". I am also disturbed by your carefree reference and short history of how diabetes became a covered benefit. Are you suggesting that covering diabetes is a mistake? My brother, mother in law, sister and aunt all have diabetes! What kind of Michigan do you envision? Do you envision a Michigan where only the select few "The Very Wealthy" will receive the intervention and treatments that they need?
Were you in attendance at the Health Policy Committee Hearing yesterday in Lansing concerning this legislation? Did you happen to hear the testimony of experts demonstrating that the impact on total health care costs is relatively small? Were you there when almost all of the parents in the room raised there hand that they were spending $20,000 + a year paying for the interventions for their children with autism? Did you hear the stories about the families that are losing their homes and have used all of their resources (including draining their 401Ks)? Did you hear the beautiful testimony of a little boy who testified at the hearing? He was precociously eloquent and moved many in the room to tears. Did you hear him say that he was diagnosed with autism when he was a little boy and has recovered from it (because his mother spent $70,000 and her entire financial future to provide him with this therapy)? Did you hear the testimony of the mother of two children with medical issues? Her son who was born premature received the Occupational Therapy he needed, the other son with autism (a neurobiological medical condition) could not get access to the same therapy. NO! This is not some secret plot by our legislator to as you said "Once again, some Michigan lawmakers are ...." It is a noble attempt by many amazing members of our Michigan Legislature to correct a wrong. It is time to end this discrimination against autism! Discrimination in any form is unacceptable!
You state that autism is a tragic affliction, but the meaning of your words are hollow. Your attempt at trying to show compassion will fall on deaf ears. Other states are providing access to these necessary medical treatments for autism because they recognize the billions of dollars their state will save over the lifetime of these individuals when many of these children recover enough to live life as independent adults. These states also know that it is the right thing to do. Withholding access to treatments that have the ability to be "Life Changing" is wrong. Especially when you consider that we are talking about our most vulnerable members of our society, our children. Currently, an 80 year old stroke victim has access to the Occupational Therapy that a child with autism does not. Does this make sense to any of you? Autism is a neurobiological condition and it’s symptoms are often treatable. Many children receiving intensive, early intervention will be profoundly affected by the therapies they receive. The CDC states that autism is currently striking 1:150 Children. Michigan has some of the highest diagnosis rates in the country. There are Representatives & Senators in Lansing who have been impacted by the autism epidemic through their own families...they are responding to our pleas because they understand what is at Stake. Believe me, when autism strikes close to home you will be grateful to those of us who are fighting for the end of this type of discrimination! Let me ask again "What kind of Michigan do you Envision"?
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130317
Here is how to contact The Detroit News:
You can send letters to The Detroit News Editorial Page three different ways:
E-mail letters@detnews.com.
Fax us at (313) 222-6417.
Mail a letter to The Detroit News, Letters, Editorial Page, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226. Please include home and work phone numbers, plus city of residence, for verification.
We prefer letters of 250 words or less. Direct rebuttals to editorials may be up to 300 words. Letters are subject to editing and become the property of The Detroit News. We do not consider letters to other publications.
Commentary
The Detroit News accepts submissions of commentaries between 600 and 750 words on current public policy and societal issues on the local, state, national and international scene. The work must be the author's own and it must be exclusive to The Detroit News in Southeast Michigan. We do not accept articles that have been submitted to the Free Press.
Please submit to Richard Burr, Associate Editor / Features, Editorial Page, The Detroit News, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226, or fax to (313) 222-6417, or e-mail to comment@detnews.com.
Here is the letter I wrote:
I am deeply disturbed by your recent editorial "Head off latest health insurance mandate" that was written on Thursday, December 13th. In the article you state "It remains a costly idea". If you take the time to investigate further it will not take long for you to uncover that , in fact, autism is not omitted as a covered benefit in many states across our great nation...it is included as a covered benefit in Canada, as well. How do they manage to cover autism treatments? With a little bit of research, you will soon uncover that these necessary treatments for autism are deliverable with little impact to insurance costs. I think that once the public is fully informed, your scare tactics and your agenda will not produce "your desired effect". I am also disturbed by your carefree reference and short history of how diabetes became a covered benefit. Are you suggesting that covering diabetes is a mistake? My brother, mother in law, sister and aunt all have diabetes! What kind of Michigan do you envision? Do you envision a Michigan where only the select few "The Very Wealthy" will receive the intervention and treatments that they need?
Were you in attendance at the Health Policy Committee Hearing yesterday in Lansing concerning this legislation? Did you happen to hear the testimony of experts demonstrating that the impact on total health care costs is relatively small? Were you there when almost all of the parents in the room raised there hand that they were spending $20,000 + a year paying for the interventions for their children with autism? Did you hear the stories about the families that are losing their homes and have used all of their resources (including draining their 401Ks)? Did you hear the beautiful testimony of a little boy who testified at the hearing? He was precociously eloquent and moved many in the room to tears. Did you hear him say that he was diagnosed with autism when he was a little boy and has recovered from it (because his mother spent $70,000 and her entire financial future to provide him with this therapy)? Did you hear the testimony of the mother of two children with medical issues? Her son who was born premature received the Occupational Therapy he needed, the other son with autism (a neurobiological medical condition) could not get access to the same therapy. NO! This is not some secret plot by our legislator to as you said "Once again, some Michigan lawmakers are ...." It is a noble attempt by many amazing members of our Michigan Legislature to correct a wrong. It is time to end this discrimination against autism! Discrimination in any form is unacceptable!
You state that autism is a tragic affliction, but the meaning of your words are hollow. Your attempt at trying to show compassion will fall on deaf ears. Other states are providing access to these necessary medical treatments for autism because they recognize the billions of dollars their state will save over the lifetime of these individuals when many of these children recover enough to live life as independent adults. These states also know that it is the right thing to do. Withholding access to treatments that have the ability to be "Life Changing" is wrong. Especially when you consider that we are talking about our most vulnerable members of our society, our children. Currently, an 80 year old stroke victim has access to the Occupational Therapy that a child with autism does not. Does this make sense to any of you? Autism is a neurobiological condition and it’s symptoms are often treatable. Many children receiving intensive, early intervention will be profoundly affected by the therapies they receive. The CDC states that autism is currently striking 1:150 Children. Michigan has some of the highest diagnosis rates in the country. There are Representatives & Senators in Lansing who have been impacted by the autism epidemic through their own families...they are responding to our pleas because they understand what is at Stake. Believe me, when autism strikes close to home you will be grateful to those of us who are fighting for the end of this type of discrimination! Let me ask again "What kind of Michigan do you Envision"?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
I will be meeting with Representative Stakoe on Dec 27. If you are a constituent of district 44 (White Lake, Highland, Springfield Twp., Independence Twp., and the City of Clarkston Village), please send me a letter and I will hand deliver it to him. He is willing to listen so please take this opportunity to help persuade him! My email is
jblood98@yahoo.com
Jim Youngblood
jblood98@yahoo.com
Jim Youngblood
Link to Health Policy Committee Web Page
Click on this link to visit the Health Policy Committee web page. You can view the minutes from the hearing and read written copies of testimony given.
Genesee County - News Coverage of Insurance Legislation
Click on this link to view the Genesee area news coverage of the Insurance Legislation!
Thanks to Cheryll Ennest of The Autism Support Group of Genesee County for sending this link!
Thanks to Cheryll Ennest of The Autism Support Group of Genesee County for sending this link!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Bus heading to Lansing on Thursday: Seats Available!!
Thanks to wonderful parents- Jill and Ron Bellestri- we now have a bus to take up to 48 people to Lansing for the autism insurance legislation hearing on Thursday. The bus is leaving from the Judson parking lot in Royal Oak at 7 am (so get there around 6:45 to be safe) and will return to Judson after the hearing is done. To reserve a spot on the bus, you JUST RSVP to Jill, either by calling her at 248-670-0785 or email her at jillbellestri@yahoo.com. The seats are sure to go fast, so please only reserve the space if you are sure to be using the seat! Feel free to email me with any questions....
Thanks, Ron and Jill!!
Stephanie
www.michiganaction.org
Thanks, Ron and Jill!!
Stephanie
www.michiganaction.org
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Senator Tupac Hunter's Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sen Tupac Hunter
Dec 4, 2007
Phone: (517) 373-0994
SEN. HUNTER AND REPS. ANGERER AND BALL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE AUTISM INSURANCE COVERAGE
Bill will assure needed health-related services for autistic children
LANSING- LANSING- Sen. Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit), Rep. Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee), and Rep. Richard Ball (R-Bennington Twp.) have introduced legislation that would require insurance companies to provide coverage for autism-related services. These services include but are not limited to therapeutic evaluations and interventions, speech, occupational, and physical therapy, intensive early intervention, applied behavioral analysis and therapy.
"As knowledge and awareness increases regarding autism, diagnoses are on the rise," Sen. Hunter said. "This legislation will provide services that are proven to be effective in treating autistic children, with little cost to individual consumer health insurance premiums."
Treatments for autism are difficult to access, often inadequate, and frequently delayed. Without private group health insurance coverage, parents are often forced either to pay out-of-pocket or forego the necessary treatments.
"This legislation will ultimately improve the outcomes for autistic children, which will actually decrease the life-time treatment costs," said Rep. Angerer. "And that will result in overall health insurance savings.
Twenty-five states have either introduced bills to mandate some degree of coverage, or already require some degree of coverage for autism related expenses. Michigan's participation in this effort will mean that the majority of states have now joined this fight.
"Autism is a relatively rare, but extremely debilitating condition that affects over 11,000 school-age children in Michigan," said Rep. Ball. "As an optometrist I have examined these children many of whom are very intelligent, but suffer from extreme communication problems. This package of bills would help provide insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment, as well as a Michigan income tax check-off box to fund research on autism."
Contact: Sen Tupac Hunter
Dec 4, 2007
Phone: (517) 373-0994
SEN. HUNTER AND REPS. ANGERER AND BALL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE AUTISM INSURANCE COVERAGE
Bill will assure needed health-related services for autistic children
LANSING- LANSING- Sen. Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit), Rep. Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee), and Rep. Richard Ball (R-Bennington Twp.) have introduced legislation that would require insurance companies to provide coverage for autism-related services. These services include but are not limited to therapeutic evaluations and interventions, speech, occupational, and physical therapy, intensive early intervention, applied behavioral analysis and therapy.
"As knowledge and awareness increases regarding autism, diagnoses are on the rise," Sen. Hunter said. "This legislation will provide services that are proven to be effective in treating autistic children, with little cost to individual consumer health insurance premiums."
Treatments for autism are difficult to access, often inadequate, and frequently delayed. Without private group health insurance coverage, parents are often forced either to pay out-of-pocket or forego the necessary treatments.
"This legislation will ultimately improve the outcomes for autistic children, which will actually decrease the life-time treatment costs," said Rep. Angerer. "And that will result in overall health insurance savings.
Twenty-five states have either introduced bills to mandate some degree of coverage, or already require some degree of coverage for autism related expenses. Michigan's participation in this effort will mean that the majority of states have now joined this fight.
"Autism is a relatively rare, but extremely debilitating condition that affects over 11,000 school-age children in Michigan," said Rep. Ball. "As an optometrist I have examined these children many of whom are very intelligent, but suffer from extreme communication problems. This package of bills would help provide insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment, as well as a Michigan income tax check-off box to fund research on autism."
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Letter Writing Template
Use this Template if it helps!
Dear Legislator (fill in name),
I am the (fill in parent, sibling, grandparent, acquaintance, ) of a child with autism. Autism is a neurological disorder, which affects the parts of the brain that control language and joint-attention. We believe this neurological disorder should be covered under health insurance, just as strokes and other neurological disorders are covered. Our children deserve the opportunity to get the treatment they need!
My developmental pediatrician tells me that, with therapy, my (fill in son/daughter/friend/family member ) will possibly go on to a regular elementary school with "typical" children, and could even excel academically. Without therapy, however, (fill in his/her) progress would halt or regress, and (fill in he/she) would never develop the language or other skills that are necessary to participate in a typical classroom, or the workforce, one day.
Since my insurance will not pay for the treatments for my child, I have had to (please enter short narrative about your direct experience).
The children of our state deserve to share their talents with all of society, pay taxes, and contribute to our local economy -- instead of ending up on permanent disability. Perhaps this realization is why several other states have passed similar legislation. By supporting the Autism Insurance Bills, you will not only help these children but will also help our state for years to come.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Dear Legislator (fill in name),
I am the (fill in parent, sibling, grandparent, acquaintance, ) of a child with autism. Autism is a neurological disorder, which affects the parts of the brain that control language and joint-attention. We believe this neurological disorder should be covered under health insurance, just as strokes and other neurological disorders are covered. Our children deserve the opportunity to get the treatment they need!
My developmental pediatrician tells me that, with therapy, my (fill in son/daughter/friend/family member ) will possibly go on to a regular elementary school with "typical" children, and could even excel academically. Without therapy, however, (fill in his/her) progress would halt or regress, and (fill in he/she) would never develop the language or other skills that are necessary to participate in a typical classroom, or the workforce, one day.
Since my insurance will not pay for the treatments for my child, I have had to (please enter short narrative about your direct experience).
The children of our state deserve to share their talents with all of society, pay taxes, and contribute to our local economy -- instead of ending up on permanent disability. Perhaps this realization is why several other states have passed similar legislation. By supporting the Autism Insurance Bills, you will not only help these children but will also help our state for years to come.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Can you help us? We are looking for help in two areas.....
(1)We are looking for members of the Michigan Autism Community to contact Senator George. If you reside in Senator George's District, that is even better. We need people to contact him and ask him to hold a hearing (similar to the one to be held next month in the House) on senate bills 784 & 785 in front of the Senate Health Policy Committee. Senator George's phone number is (517)373-0793 and his email is sentgeorge@senate.michigan.gov
Senator George represents the 20th State Senate District including all of Kalamazoo county plus Paw Paw and Antwerp Townships in Van Buren county.
(2)We also need you to contact Senator Bishop. We need members of the Autism Community (if you are in his District, even better) to write/call him in support of the Autism Insurance Legislation. Ask him, as Senate Majority Leader, to rally the Republican Caucus in support of this bipartisan, children's issue and co-sponsor Senate Bills 784 & 785. Senator Bishop's phone number is (517)373-2417 and his email is senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov .
Senator Bishop represents the 12th State Senate District and is located in Oakland county and includes: Addison Twp, Auburn Hills city, Independence Twp, Keego Harbor city, Lake Angelus city, Oakland Twp, Orion Twp, Oxford Twp, Pontiac city, Rochester city, Rochester Hills city, Sylvan Lake city and Clarkston city.
We appreciate your help and support!!!
(1)We are looking for members of the Michigan Autism Community to contact Senator George. If you reside in Senator George's District, that is even better. We need people to contact him and ask him to hold a hearing (similar to the one to be held next month in the House) on senate bills 784 & 785 in front of the Senate Health Policy Committee. Senator George's phone number is (517)373-0793 and his email is sentgeorge@senate.michigan.gov
Senator George represents the 20th State Senate District including all of Kalamazoo county plus Paw Paw and Antwerp Townships in Van Buren county.
(2)We also need you to contact Senator Bishop. We need members of the Autism Community (if you are in his District, even better) to write/call him in support of the Autism Insurance Legislation. Ask him, as Senate Majority Leader, to rally the Republican Caucus in support of this bipartisan, children's issue and co-sponsor Senate Bills 784 & 785. Senator Bishop's phone number is (517)373-2417 and his email is senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov .
Senator Bishop represents the 12th State Senate District and is located in Oakland county and includes: Addison Twp, Auburn Hills city, Independence Twp, Keego Harbor city, Lake Angelus city, Oakland Twp, Orion Twp, Oxford Twp, Pontiac city, Rochester city, Rochester Hills city, Sylvan Lake city and Clarkston city.
We appreciate your help and support!!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Many neighboring states in the Midwest are working to pass Autism Insurance Reform. Ohio is the most recent state to work on this initiative. We are very excited that Ohio has decided to fight for insurance coverage requirements to meet the needs of children with Autism.
The following is an excerpt from an article published in Autism Bulletin on 08 Nov 2007 10:00 PM CST
The Ohio House of Representatives is considering a bill that would prohibit health insurers from excluding insurance coverage for autism services.The bill is called H.B. 170, which you can read via the state legislature's website by clicking here. Representatives Jon M. Peterson, a Republican, and Ted Celeste, a Democrat, are co-sponsors of the bill. The bill, introduced in April 2007, does not spell out what kinds of services are covered. According to the legislature's website (which warns that it not to be considered an official record), the bill has been resting with the House insurance committee.The Associated Press published a story Nov. 8 that summarizes a pattern of activity which advocates for autism services will recognize: a growing awareness that autism services for young children can cost families tens of thousands of dollars a year; health insurance doesn't cover any of it; bipartisan support in the legislature generates a bill to change matters; and a health insurance industry representative oppose the idea. It's a pattern that has played out in several states, including Texas (passed), South Carolina (passed) and Pennsylvania, which as I understand it is still pending. (See past Autism Bulletin articles labeled "health insurance" and an autism insurance map for more background on states around the country.) Read Full Article
The following is an excerpt from an article published in Autism Bulletin on 08 Nov 2007 10:00 PM CST
The Ohio House of Representatives is considering a bill that would prohibit health insurers from excluding insurance coverage for autism services.The bill is called H.B. 170, which you can read via the state legislature's website by clicking here. Representatives Jon M. Peterson, a Republican, and Ted Celeste, a Democrat, are co-sponsors of the bill. The bill, introduced in April 2007, does not spell out what kinds of services are covered. According to the legislature's website (which warns that it not to be considered an official record), the bill has been resting with the House insurance committee.The Associated Press published a story Nov. 8 that summarizes a pattern of activity which advocates for autism services will recognize: a growing awareness that autism services for young children can cost families tens of thousands of dollars a year; health insurance doesn't cover any of it; bipartisan support in the legislature generates a bill to change matters; and a health insurance industry representative oppose the idea. It's a pattern that has played out in several states, including Texas (passed), South Carolina (passed) and Pennsylvania, which as I understand it is still pending. (See past Autism Bulletin articles labeled "health insurance" and an autism insurance map for more background on states around the country.) Read Full Article
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