The Senate Health Policy Committee began taking testimony Thursday on a three bill package to require health insurers to include autism treatment in their coverage. Senate Bill 414, 415, and 981 are sponsored by Senators Mike Green (R-Mayville), Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit), and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), respectively.
For nearly three hours the panel took testimony from both proponents and opponents to the measure, including the three sponsors, Lt. Governor Brian Calley, and The Economic Alliance for Michigan representative Sarah Roberts. The Committee is hoping to meet again next week to continue hearing testimony.
Proponents of the measures claim that this package represents a compromise reached with the business community that had historically been opposed to any healthcare coverage mandates. The legislation provides of the creation of a special fund of (initially) $15 million of state dollars for the purpose of reimbursing insurance carriers and third-party administrators for autism-related claims.
Some of the opposition to the package stems from many who advocate for complete mental health parity, such as within Senate Bill 50 sponsored by Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor).