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

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!!!

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