Legislation

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!