Autism Insurance in Michigan (AIM) has moved!

ACTION ALERT! 4/22/08 from MI autism advocates

2008-04-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

It’s Call-In Day to Senator George! Please call him at (517) 373-0793 between 9am-3pm and ask him to hold a hearing in the Senate. Even if you can't attend the rally, please give Sen. George a call. Sen. George can be reached at 877-445-2378, Lansing 517-373-7708 and Kalamazoo 269-226-0124

Autism Speaks is calling us to action!

2008-04-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION MICHIGAN RESIDENTS!

Michigan recently became one of a growing number of states across the country to introduce autism insurance reform bills this session. Representatives Kathy Angerer (D-55) and Richard Ball (R-85) have introduced House Bills 5527 & 5529, and Senator Tupac Hunter (D-5) has introduced Senate Bills 784 & 785, which seek to end insurance discrimination for children with autism spectrum disorders and provide them with evidence based, medically necessary treatments that they need to live more productive lives. The bill provides for coverage for therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy and services and applied behavioral analysis therapy as prescribed by a treating physician or psychologist.

RALLY REMINDER!

A rally will be held to ask for a hearing on bills in both the House and Senate on Tuesday, April 22nd in Lansing, MI at the Capitol. The rally begins at 11am and will go until 2pm. We encourage you to attend and make plans to visit with your legislators during and at the conclusion of the rally.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP RIGHT NOW?

STARTING ON MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008 AT 11:00AM through WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 at 5:30 pm!

1. CALL the members of the House Health Policy Committee and ask for a hearing and their support for HB 5527 & 5529. Let them know how much we need their help and what this would mean to your child and your family. Definitely MAKE THE CALL if you see one of YOUR Representatives is on the Committee!

Name
District Map
Phone

Rep. Kathy Angerer (Committee Chair) 55th (517) 373-1792
Rep. Mike Simpson (Majority Vice-Chair) 65th (517) 373-1775
Rep. Barb Byrum 67th (517) 373-0587
Rep. Brenda Clack 34th (517) 373-8808
Rep. Marc R. Corriveau 20th (517) 373-3816
Rep. Andy Coulouris 95th (517) 373-0152
Rep. Marie Donigan 26th (517) 373-3818
Rep. Ted Hammon 50th (517) 373-3906
Rep. Robert B. Jones 60th (517) 373-1785
Rep. Mary Valentine 91st (517) 373-3436
Rep. Lisa Wojno 28th (517) 373-2275
Rep. Bert Johnson 5th (517) 373-0144
Rep. Edward Gaffney (Minority Vice-Chair) 1st (517) 373-0154
Rep. Joe Hune 47th (517) 373-8835
Rep. Jim Marleau 46th (517) 373-1798
Rep. Kevin Green 77th (517) 373-2277
Rep. Richard Ball 85th (517) 373-0841
Rep. Brian N. Calley 87th (517) 373-0842
Rep. David Robertson 51st (517) 373-1780
Rep. Tim Moore 97th (517) 373-8962

2. FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL to the members of the House Health Policy Committee as well and be sure to include one or two paragraphs about why this is an important issue to you!

3. CALL and EMAIL Senator Thomas George (R - District 20), the Chair of the MI Senate Health Policy Committee. Ask Senator George to hold a hearing on SB 784 & 785 and explain to him why this is an important issue to you.

Senator Thomas George - (517) 373 -0793

4. PASS THIS ALERT ALONG! Forward this ALERT out to anyone you know who will help who lives in Michigan. We need to demonstrate the strength of the autism community in our state. Please forward to teachers, therapists, family members and neighbors to ask for their support on this important piece of legislation. Don't just leave it up to the autism community to get this done! We need everyone's help!

For more information on these bills and grassroots activity in Michigan, please visit www.autismvotes.org/michigan.

Thanks,

Shelley Hendrix
Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks

FOX 2 COVERS THE RALLY 4/22

2008-04-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6344069&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.5.1

Macomb Daily Publishes Insurance Article

2008-04-21T17:09:00.001-07:00

PUBLISHED: Monday, April 21, 2008
Autism advocates to rally at Capitol

Insurance reform is battle cry

By Maryanne Kocis MacLeod
Macomb Daily Staff Writer

Autism advocate and parent Debbi Ringle of Shelby Township, with her son Jesse and husband Mark, make posters to take to Tuesday's rally in Lansing.
Macomb Daily staff photos by Craig Gaffield

Parents and autism advocates from across the state on Tuesday will channel their love and frustration into a state Capitol rally that highlights the need for insurance reform.
Justin Harlan, 9, of Berkley, will be among the participants. Though he's been verbal for only four years, what he wants to say to legislators, insurance companies and parents, is worth hearing.

"Without all the speech therapy my parents paid for -- out of their own pocket -- I wouldn't be speaking at this rally," said Justin, who once spent significant time spinning in circles on the floor. "I wouldn't be speaking at all."

The event focuses on bills introduced in the House and Senate which provide insurance coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, up to $50,000 annually.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impairs a person's ability to relate to and communicate with the world around them.

"Insurance companies aren't covering kids because they have autism, that's discrimination," said Justin's mom, Stephanie Harlan, director of autism connections at the Judson Center in Royal Oak, a non-profit organization committed to improving people's lives.

"We desperately need mandated coverage," she said. "My son's a living miracle, but he's not unique. Lots of kids are doing great, going on with perfectly functional lives. But early intervention is key."

Such treatment, Harlan stressed, enables autistic children to grow into independent adults, thus reducing the societal burden of providing lifetime care for them.

Over a person's life, the cost saving is estimated to be $1.6 to $2.8 million according to the Autism Society of America and a study by the London School of Economics. Insurance coverage would translate to $1.47 to $4.10 per month per policy holder.

Still in the early stages, the legislation has support in both the House and the Senate, Harlan said.

Shelby Township's Debbi Ringle will be in attendance Tuesday, and is encouraging others to be there, too.

"I know it's difficult for people to get up there; parents are working and gas mileage is a factor," Ringle said, "but this is a unique opportunity to be heard."

"Other states have passed similar bills," she added. "In Michigan, this is long overdue."

Ringle and her husband Mark learned that the youngest of their three children, Jesse, 8, was autistic shortly after buying a new home with a bulky mortgage.

Their new circumstances forced Ringle to quit her job in order to research and facilitate Jesse's treatment, which often required driving 350 miles a week.

"Because we couldn't do it on our own, I put my pride aside more often than I can say to ask for assistance," Ringle said, "from Macomb County Community Mental Health, friends, family, my church, the Kiwanis, the Ted Lindsey Foundation for Autism, The Ciccarelli Children's Hope Fund.

"I did what I had to do so my child could learn how to eat, to talk, to play, to engage in the world around him."

An online support group through the Judson Center, along with others supports and resources, helped Ringle get started and find a direction. The hard work paid off: Jesse attends mainstream classes at Monsort Elementary through Utica schools.

Ringle now helps other parents of newly diagnosed children sort through the maze of options and emotions.

"It's so overwhelming," she said. "You're a like a deer in the headlights. I sit down with them and just love on them. I tell them what conferences and meetings to attend, what groups to get in touch with, what books to read.

"I try to empower them," she said.

Since most parents aren't used to sharing their experiences with lawmakers, Carolyn Gammicchia of Shelby Township put together a package of "talking points" for attendees to reference.

"We have this opportunity to let people know what's going on and we have to take it," said Gammicchia, whose 16-year-old son Nicholas, though significantly "challenged," recently made the honor roll and won the Courage award from the Autism Society of Michigan.

"Our son has been able to come really far," she said, recalling the days when Nicholas kicked out her front teeth or pulled her hair and kicked at the car's interior when she took a different turn. "It's heartbreaking to know that other families can't afford it."

The Gammicchias have spent $150,000 out-of-pocket for their son's treatment.

"Nicholas still has trouble self-regulating, but we keep a trampoline in our living room and he just goes in there and jumps a few times and then he's OK," she said.

In addition to sensory integration therapy, Nicholas has benefited from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, B12 shots and a diet overhaul.

"This rally is our one chance to come together and share our stories," Gammicchia said of the rally.

For those who wish to attend tomorrow's event, check out http://autisminsurancemi.blogspot.com for details.

For more information, visit wwww.judsoncenter.org or call (248) 549-4339.

To reach the Autism Society of Michigan, visit www.autism-mi.org/" www.autism-mi.org/

Lansing Rally in 3 days!

2008-04-19T04:37:00.001-07:00

Another blog was recently created to increase networking among the members of the MI Autism Community. Many different organizations have joined forces: Autism Speaks, Autism Society & The Judson Center(MICHIGAN ACTION). You can visit their blog at:

http://autisminsurancemi.blogspot.com/

This posting comes from that blog site.

Here are the latest details of the rally:

The Governor is sending her staff to listen to the speakers, talk to people and report back.

Make sure to bring-

1. Folding chairs for you and family--drop off chairs prior to parking so you don't have to carry

2. Sack lunch- we will have some bottles of water free to attendees(while supplies last)

3. Digital camera so that you can email pictures of the rally to your local paper.

4. We will have over 500 signs made but feel free to bring your own, or bring a picture of your child and we can tape it to an already made sign. We will have tape available to do this.

So far unfortunately, we will not be providing any buses.

We will have people ready to find out who your Rep and Senators are so that you can go visit them in their offices. Make sure you find your way to those designated tables.

Parking: During weekdays, parking is a major problem around the Capitol. Although there is metered parking on all streets around Capitol Square, it is not adequate to handle the number of individuals who desire to park close to the Capitol. There are six parking ramps within three blocks of the Capitol: Boji Parking Ramp at the corner of Capitol and Allegan, the ramp at the corner of Townsend and Washtenaw, the City Parking Ramp at Capitol and Kalamazoo, the City Parking Ramp at the intersection of Allegan and Grand, the City Parking Ramp at Ottawa and Grand, and the City Parking Ramp at Capitol and Shiawassee. Parking space for cars and vans is also available in the Michigan Library and Historical Center parking lot.

Also, for a map of the Capitol's parking areas go to PARKING

To get directions to the Capitol, go to MAPQUEST

For talking points when you meet with you legislator, go to Talking Points

Bills 5526 & 5528

2008-04-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

House Bills 5526 and 5528 are Passed in the Michigan House. They still have to pass the Senate.

These Bills, establishing the Autism Research Fund, will still have to be passed by the Senate to become Law.

House Bill 5526

Bill History
3/18/2008
read a second time

3/18/2008
placed on third reading

3/18/2008
placed on immediate passage

3/18/2008
read a third time

3/18/2008
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call # 179 Yeas 108 Nays 1

3/18/2008
transmitted

House Bill 5528
3/18/2008
read a second time

3/18/2008
placed on third reading

3/18/2008
placed on immediate passage

3/18/2008
read a third time

3/18/2008
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call # 180 Yeas 108 Nays 1

Rally in Lansing on Capitol Steps....April 22nd

2008-03-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

This message was posted on the Michigan ACTION site. http://michiganaction.org

Have you, or someone you love, been touched by Autism?
If so, you can help!

PLEASE JOIN US IN LANSING on Apr.22 - We Need YOU!!
Rally on the Capitol Steps 11am - 2pm

We are planning a Rally on the Capitol Steps on Apr. 22 at 11am - 2pm. It is Autism Awareness Month and this is our chance to make our insurance bills front and center. We need EVERYONE for this one!! Please, bring your friends, relatives, neighbors and, especially, your families. We need to have a strong showing, a really strong showing! We are trying to get at least 1,000 people on the steps in Lansing!! This is our big chance, all the legislators will see us, we've made sure of that. It is our time to show them just how big this problem is, that we have the numbers to make a difference and our votes will be heard. We have a good chance of getting these bills through this year, but we can't do it without your help! More details will come as we get closer, but we wanted to give you time to make arrangements at work, etc. Let's show them we won't accept anything less than equal insurance coverage! Please, share this information with everyone - pass this on!

Call to Action: We need to get our troops in order! To have a strong "army" we must have large numbers - Please, we need names, addresses, phone and emails for anyone who is a registered voter. So, when the time comes, we can have them contact their Reps. to let them know just how important this issue is. We will send out an email template where all you have to do is fill in your name. We need at least 5 names from every district (MI has 110 of them). We especially need contacts Up North, in the U.P. and on the West side of the state too. Husbands & Wives count as 2 people so please - Help us build a strong Army!
Breaking News: “Autism Speaks sends heartfelt thanks to our many supporters in the Senate for their steadfast support of autism research funding. Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Susan Collins offered an amendment to the FY2009 Budget Resolution to increase funding for autism research, education and early detection by $197 million. This increase authorizes doubling of autism research funding. Additionally, Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Tom Harkin offered an amendment to increase research funding at the NIH by 2 billion in FY2009. Both amendments passed overwhelmingly. Thank you, Senators, for your efforts on behalf of children, adults, and families affected by autism.” These votes happened late last night and we want to thank all of you in MI who jumped in and helped contact our senators yesterday! LOOK what we were able to do! WE CAN DO THIS SAME THING WITH OUR MICHIGAN BILLS!! We need you in LANSING on APR. 22!!!!

Call to have your Senator support Senate Bills 784 and 785 to allow
access to treatment for children with Autism who have insurance, but are not covered.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2007-SIB-0785.htm
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2007-SIB-0784.htm

Call your Representative and ask them to support House Bills 5527 & 5529.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/House/pdf/2007-HIB-5527.pdf
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/billintroduced/House/pdf/2007-HIB-5529.pdf

To find your Senator contact information: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/
To find your Representative contact information: http://www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp/
_________________

Legislation

2008-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Many supporters at the Legislative Hearing!
Click on this link to see the news coverage of the press conference.

Michigan Legislative Update! Updated News 12/13/07

Autism insurance legislation was introduced on 12/4/07 into the Michigan House of Representatives! Representative Kathy Angerer and Representative Richard Ball introduced two bills (House Bills No. 5529 and 5527) requiring insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders. This means that the Autism Insurance Bills have come out with bi-partisan support from both parties. We are pleased with this important "new development"! These Bills are companion bills to Senate Bills 784 & 785 that were introduced into the Michigan Senate by Senator Tupac Hunter in September. Thank You to everyone who attended the press conference on December4th. The press conference went very well....

The attendance at the hearing was wonderful! The room was packed and thank you to all who made the trip to Lansing.

The two check-off House bills (No. 5526 & No. 5528) were voted on and passed out of committee. Every committee member present at the hearing voted "YES" !! The bills (when passed into law) will provide a box on income tax forms to establish a state managed autism fund. We had a strong showing at the hearing and we effectively communicated to the members of the committee how desperately this legislation is needed!! Many people testified at the hearing with their stories. It was an emotional experience for many of us..... Also, research information & cost-benefit analysis information were presented by several well-qualified professionals. The hearing went very well and now we will focus on organizing & growing support for these bills!

If you haven't had the chance yet, get those personal stories written and sent to us. Our email address is: autisminsurancemi@sbcglobal.net. Please include your address, also forward your letter to your State Representative & State Senator. We have worked very hard to get these bills introduced, but we need your help to ensure they pass and become law! Your legislator’s need to hear that Autism Insurance Coverage is an important issue to you and to your family. Try to get everyone you know to contact their representatives & senators in support of these bills! This is how we will defeat the opposition! Together we can pass this important legislation!

Please share this Autism Insurance News with others you know in the community!

Autism Speaks Promotes Legislation!

2008-03-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Autism Speaks announces "MICHIGAN" as a KEY battleground in the effort to change Insurance laws!

Autism Speaks Announces Multi-State Insurance Legislation Campaign Florida, California, Michigan and Pennsylvania are Key Battlegrounds in Effort to Change Insurance Laws and Require Coverage of Medically Necessary Services.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpautism1228pndec28,0,7162133.story Video footage of Donald Trump and his fundraising efforts to support this campaign.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/press/insurance_legislation_campaign.php

Detroit News- Responses to editorial printed on February 22nd

2008-02-23T03:36:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 22, 2008

Letter

Should Michigan require autism coverage?

End insurance bias
I read the Feb. 19 article with a mixture of hope and dismay ("Parents of autistic kids fight for aid"). The News quoted some parents and experts in the autism field. That was very encouraging. The article did not mention the support of the Michigan Education Association or some intermediate school district superintendents for these bills, and that was disappointing.

I and many other residents are tired of insurance companies discriminating against people with autism. I know of one family that has an autistic child who was refused therapy but another child without autism was covered for the identical therapy.

...................................................................................

Try alternative to mandate
I have empathy with anyone who cannot pay for medical care for their children. Such parents and their advocates, however, should use caution in expressing their frustration to avoid a backlash. There is no "deliberate" exclusion from insurance coverage for autistic children. Most health programs are developed from the needs of the participants in the plan. If those who initially accepted a plan did not see a need for a given protection, it was not included, and this kept costs down.

Rather than mandating coverage, perhaps insurance companies could provide riders that potential parents could purchase for noncovered conditions that they could then pray not to have to use.

...................................................................................

Other states see benefits
Does anyone believe numerous states would pass autism mandate legislation if the resulting increase in cost was 45 percent as stated in the article? Why have many other states passed autism legislation despite concerns about duplicate services? Is it because these concerns are propaganda? My family has Blue Cross coverage, and we have always been told that autism is not a covered benefit under our plan. This legislation will end the discrimination.

...................................................................................

Explaining autism's rise
Don't tell me we have better systems of detection and reporting autism than in the 1950s. Ask 70-year-old or 80-year-old former teachers if they knew about autism 25 years ago. Now every unruly child a teacher meets is either autistic or has attention deficit disorder.

...................................................................................

Early intervention works
As a professional who provides regular diagnostic and intervention services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I can attest to the desperate needs of families to seek affordable help for their children. This is a disorder which takes a significant toll on the emotional and physical well-being of families. Add to that the financial burden of intervention, and you can understand why 85 percent of marriages in the families of a child with ASD end in divorce.

However, recent research has shown the significant effect of early intervention on the later learning and functional outcomes for children with ASD; what cost is expended early on will come back tenfold as these children progress through their school years. This is why we owe it to these parents to support health coverage for this disorder.

...................................................................................

Getting therapy is a battle
I would like to refute the claim by Jon Ogar of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan that it is already covering autism therapies/treatment. I have been refused the cost of even covering the diagnosis of my son's condition, let alone the therapies that he should be getting. I had to fight for more than a year to get even the original diagnosis covered. Then I was told that the therapies that were deemed medically necessary by my son's doctors would not be covered.

Call to Action! Write letters to the Detroit News Editorial Page and show your support!

2008-02-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

There are several points in the Detroit News Article (Printed Feb 19th) that were misleading. Please take the time to write the editor and let the Detroit News know that insurance coverage for Autism is important to you and that you expect high standards in the integrity of their reporting.

*The article incorrectly reports costs up to 45%...... FACT:There is research that supports that additional costs would be less than 1%.

*The article supports the idea that Blue Cross is providing services, which is untrue for most cases of Autism.

*Duplicate services: A lack of understanding in the intensity needed for children with Autism. Other states have passed legislation without using this excuse as an obstacle.

*Employers should have a say in what to include in policies. This option does not exist. Some companies that we have spoken with would like to cover these therapies but it is not an option at this time.

******************************************************************
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.

*****************************************************************

------------------------- A SAMPLE EDITORIAL LETTER ----------------------------

I found it disappointing that many of the words chosen in the writing of the autism legislation article were unsupportive. We are struggling to provide adequate intervention for our child. Why must we read: ARGUING, FIGHT, FORCE, LUXURIES, CONTROVERSIAL, REQUIRE? Why were these negative descriptions selected in the writing of this article? The article speaks of small luxuries while most parents I know are not moaning over lost vacations, they are struggling to put food on the table. Why must we "fight for aid" and why is it written that we must "force insurers to pay for therapy"?

Does anyone believe that numerous states would pass autism legislation if the resulting increase in cost was 45% as stated in this article? Where is the reference to the research data backing up this unbelievable claim? Where is the credibility? Why have many other states passed autism legislation despite concerns about duplicate services. Is it because these concerns are only propaganda?

My family has Blue Cross and we have always been told that Autism is not a covered benefit under our plan. This legislation will end the discrimination that exists. If your child, grandchild or family member had autism could you stand idly by and not provide these life changing interventions for them? Many families in Michigan are losing their homes & life savings to provide these intensive interventions for their children & grandchildren.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Detroit News publishes an article about the Legislation...

2008-02-19T20:09:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Parents of autistic kids fight for aid

Controversial bills would force insurers to pay for therapy
Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News

CLAWSON -- Life has been a struggle -- emotionally, mentally, but most of all, financially -- since Bob and Shannon Gougeon's son, Travis, was diagnosed with autism.

Small luxuries they once considered a way of life -- dining out, vacations -- are no longer affordable to the parents who work three jobs between them to pay down the $100,000 debt they've wracked up providing Travis with essential speech and behavioral therapies.

The 6-year-old, who still doesn't speak, was diagnosed before his second birthday with the condition associated with limited communication and repetitive behavior.

Advertisement
"We continue to try to find ways to pay for stuff to benefit his life," said Bob Gougeon, 34, of Clawson. "It's going to take years and years and years to dig out of the hole we've put ourselves in. But how do you put a price on your child?"

The Gougeons and other parents of autistic children are lobbying state lawmakers for financial relief. Advocates say incidences of the neurological disorder are skyrocketing among young people, from 4,700 cases in Michigan in 2000 to 11,000 in 2006, according to federal statistics.

Arguing that autistic children deserve better coverage, they're backing two controversial House bills that would require health insurers and HMOs to pay for early intervention, behavioral analysis and therapy.

Similar legislation is in effect in at least 13 states, according to the Council for Affordable Health Insurance in Alexandria, Va. But critics say the mandates would drive up health care costs as much as 45 percent, force insurers to pay for treatments that some already cover and may duplicate some services already provided by Michigan intermediate school districts.

Critics say mandates add cost
Foes of the bills also argue that employers should have a say in what to include in policies.

"If they don't have an employee who has a child with autism they may not want this to be part of their benefit package," said Wendy Block, director of health policy and human resources at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "We know that each and every mandated benefit would add to the cost of health insurance. It's difficult to say how much."

The average annual total premium cost nationwide was $4,479 for individuals and $12,106 for families in 2007, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a California-based nonprofit that researches major health care issues.

But supporters say the bills are crucial because early intervention of autism increases chances of normal futures, said Catherine Lord, director of the University of Michigan's Autism and Communication Disorder Center.

"It's just been a tragedy that they've been deliberately excluded from the insurance coverage," Lord said. "Compared to all the other things people get from health insurance, it's not that much if it could improve the chances that the child would be independent."

Autism is a severe developmental disability -- typically diagnosed by age 2 -- that can cause children to become withdrawn, nonverbal and avoid eye contact. In extreme cases, some hit their heads against walls or hurt themselves. There's no cure, but research shows that early intervention through intensive therapies and other services can improve a child's development, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Like other Metro Detroit intermediate districts, the Macomb County Intermediate School District offers classes and therapy to its more than 1,000 autistic children, said Beth Alberti, assistant superintendent of special education and student services. Assistance varies by need: Some students may receive occupational therapy on basic skills such as using scissors for 30 minutes twice a month; others receive more help.

"We are not treating autism in schools," she said. "We are really focusing on the educational aspect of the kids." While intermediate districts provide some services, many parents seek additional, more intense programs.

Lord said the out-of-pocket costs parents pay for autism treatment programs, offered at hospitals and community service agencies, vary greatly. Some are as low as $3,000 a year, while others can be as high as $40,000 a year, depending on the length of treatment and intensity.

State Rep. Kathy Angerer, D-Dundee, acknowledged premiums would increase slightly, but argued long-term costs -- including hiring full-time teachers for autistic students and paying for group homes -- would decline significantly.

"The cost of doing nothing for these children is more serious," said Angerer, who is sponsoring the legislation with Rep. Richard Ball, R-Bennington Township outside Lansing.

But foes, including the Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition, counter that the measures would drive up insurance costs for employers and, by extension, employees who are increasingly asked to pay more out of pocket when premiums rise.

"In other states, piling on state health insurance mandates has resulted in many employers dropping all health benefits," Larry Horwitz, spokesman for the group comprised of 40 members that include companies, business associations, labor unions and about three insurers. "There's scarce money, and you can't do everything that everybody wants."

Mandates can boost policy costs 20 percent to 45 percent, depending on the state, according to a study by the Council for Affordable Health Insurance.

Blues oppose bills
Michigan's largest insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, opposes the mandates, but now pays for multiple autism services, spokesman Jon Ogar said in a statement. For example, an initial speech therapy evaluation is covered under most benefit plans, as are follow-up speech therapy services if it's determined that the child has a chance to improve or restore verbal function.

Since Travis Gougeon has participated in the intense one-on-one applied behavior analysis therapy, his parents say he's made tremendous strides -- he can recognize letters in his name and will sometimes sit and color. But at a monthly cost that ranges from $1,200 to $1,700, they couldn't afford to keep him enrolled.

Health coverage would be considered a "lifeline" that would allow them to continue that service, Shannon Gougeon said.

"I just don't understand why we're unable to get any type of services," she said. Instead, she said, they pay $536 a month for speech therapy and about $200 a month for biomedical vitamins and food that helps him stay focused. Travis also attends the Clawson School District, where he spends three hours a day -- with a teacher assistant at his side -- in a classroom and then receives speech therapy in an autistic impaired classroom.

Parent Cara Culver, 39, has seen her 3-year-old daughter, Judit Beired, make great strides since they began an intensive applied behavior analysis treatment program in their Birmingham home nearly a year ago. The 14-hour a week program -- about $2,000 a month -- has helped her learn how to talk and play.

"I'm very happy with what I've seen. She knows the names of 250 objects and 30 verbs," Culver said. But, "(the treatment) is outrageously expensive. It should be covered, because somebody who smokes, they (add on costs) to themselves. We don't know why my daughter got this."

You can reach Christina Stolarz at (586) 468-0343 or cstolarz@detnews.com.

Peter Wright (of Wrightslaw) to speak here in Michigan!

2008-02-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

MI Advocacy Training Conference

Your Child's Rights

http://gekidslearning.googlepages.com/wrightslawadvocacytraining2

April 23rd, 2008
Laurel Manor Banquet Conference Center
Livonia, Michigan 48150

Peter Wright will be in Livonia on April 23rd to personally conduct a Special Education advocacy training. Mr Wright in not only one of the top Special Education experts in the country, he’s also the lawyer behind one of the landmark Supreme Court victories for children with special needs in the country. Besides being a top level attorney and legal expert Mr. Wright is also an expert at helping train parents to become advocates for their own children. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be trained by Mr. Wright in a rare Michigan visit.

If you have any further questions please contact: Great Expectations * Livonia, MI * 734-762-0332 * info@mygreatkid. com

District 15 Advocacy News

2008-01-21T05:25:00.000-08:00

I have secured a meeting with Senator Nancy Cassis from district 15 in Oakland County which covers: Commerce Twp, Highland Twp, Holly Twp, Lyon Twp, Milford Twp, Northville city (part), Novi city, Novi Twp, Orchard Lake city, Rose Twp, South Lyon city, Walled Lake city, West Bloomfield Twp, White Lake Twp and Wixom city on February 8th. If you reside in this region, please forward me a letter (however brief) stating your support of the bills and I can hand deliver them. You can also send correspondence to her directly at: Mailing Address: Senator Nancy Cassis P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536 By Phone: (517) 373-1758 By Fax: (517) 373-0938 By Email: senncassis@senate.michigan.gov It is critical that she hear from her constituents as she was non-commital last time I spoke with her. She was concerned about added cost but is listening. Let's do our best to convince her! Thanks, Jim (248) 396-9426 jblood98@yahoo.com

DVD copies of the Committee Hearing Available!

2008-01-21T05:07:00.000-08:00

The Health Policy Committee Meeting in December was recorded. If you would like to purchase a copy the cost is $25 if you pick it up or $30 if it is mailed. They can make DVD or VHS copies.

Contact:
Lois Ewen
Office Manager, MGTV (Michigan Government Television)
loise@mgtv.org

CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS publishes an article covering the autism insurance legislation.

2008-01-21T04:51:00.001-08:00

LANSING - Advocates of legislation to require insurance coverage for treatment of autism are hoping the new year brings new action.....

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200851916017

Great story in the newspaper about the Insurance Legislation!

2008-01-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/010708/loc_autism.shtml

Autism Bulletin highlights recent announcement of Michigan as a KEY battleground.

2007-12-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

http://autismbulletin.blogspot.com/search/label/health%20insurance

Detroit News Editorial.....Autism Insurance Bills

2007-12-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

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....

ACT NOW!

2007-12-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

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"?

2007-12-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

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

Link to Health Policy Committee Web Page

2007-12-15T16:24:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

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!

Bus heading to Lansing on Thursday: Seats Available!!

2007-12-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

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

Senator Tupac Hunter's Press Release

2007-12-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

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."

Important Update!

2007-12-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

The room number for the hearing on December 13th has been changed to Room 352!

Letter Writing Template

2007-11-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2007-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

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