The Senate Health Policy Committee voted today to move a package of bills to the Senate floor requiring 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, passed the Committee with no opposition. Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) abstained.
The package, while requiring regulated insurance providers to cover effective treatments, also provides for the reimbursement of the cost of coverage by the State of Michigan through the Autism Coverage Fund. As reported by PAAdvisory last week, this is viewed as a compromise acceptable to the business community who had long opposed an insurance mandate.
Republicans and Democrats alike released statements following the panel’s vote, resulting in a seldom seen show of bipartisan cooperation. Many Democrats remain committed to a broader proposal to provide complete mental health parity, however, support this package as a step in the right direction.