Michigan Insurers Should Cover Autism, Experts Tell Senators

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"It's heartbreaking to learn your child has autism, but to find out your insurance company won't cover treatments that would allow your child to live a fuller, more independent life - that creates such despair, and thousands of Michigan families are feeling that right now," said Pamela Lemerand, director of the Autism Collaborative Center at Eastern Michigan University.

"We need to know firsthand how this devastating condition affects Michigan families," [Randy Richardville] said. "It's important to explore various options that may represent an opportunity to help those in need and be more efficient with public funds."

"If diagnosed and treated early, children with autism can make significant gains that affect their independence and family functioning in many ways," said Dr. Catherine Lord, director of the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center. "Making sure insurance companies cover early treatment just makes good fiscal sense."

"Without insurance reform, Michigan taxpayers will continue to be saddled with these costs and Michigan children won't have access to medically proven therapies that can be life-changing for them and their families," said Lorri Unumb, senior policy advisor and counsel for Autism Speaks, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group that has helped win legislative reforms in several states.

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Michigan Insurers Should Cover Autism, Experts Tell Senators

Autism experts and parents said at the first of four public hearings that more Michigan children with autism will go untreated unless Michigan insurers help cover m...

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