Autism Package Headed to Governor's Desk

After the heartbreaking scene that unfolded in the last hours of session in 2010, none of the advocates for health care insurance coverage expansion to autism treatment gave up when the proposal died in the Senate. Little did they know that the following session would bring a tireless advocate in the Lt. Governor and, with it, victory.

The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate gave final approval to a package of legislation Thursday that requires private insurers to cover treatment for autism. Senate Bill 414, 415, and 981, sponsored by Senators Mike Green (R-Mayville), Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit), and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), respectively, are now on their way to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk for approval.

Although some business organizations voiced opposition to the initiative, the proposal was seen as a foregone conclusion when a compromise was reached on a funding mechanism for the coverage earlier this year.

Senate Bills 414 and 415 were both approved 91-19 in the House, with a handful of Republicans voting in opposition. Five Democrats joined an additional two Republicans in opposing Senate Bill 981, which sets up the fund in the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to compensate insurance providers. The bill passed 84-26.

Concurrence in the House changes came in the form of final passage in the Senate shortly thereafter as the Lt. Governor presided over session.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, March 30, 2012 10:43 AM
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