RUDYARD – In an effort to help the growing number of families struggling with the costs of autism care, State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) on Wednesday supported a plan that will require health insurance companies to provide coverage for its treatment. In support of National Autism Awareness Month, McDowell also announced an online petition for residents who would like to support the plan and raise awareness of the disorder.
"Insurance companies are covering the costs of illnesses like diabetes and cancer, and it's time they covered the costs to treat autism," McDowell said. "This disorder affects members of every race, gender and economic background. I support this plan that will help our residents get ahead of this disorder by getting children help as early as possible."
Autism, which refers to the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders, is characterized by difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. According to the Michigan Department of Education, an estimated 13,839 children in Michigan had some form of autism in 2008. Between 2001 and 2006, the number of children in Michigan public schools diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder increased by more than 100 percent, according to the Autism Society of Michigan.
Currently, most health insurance companies cover only screening for the disorder, leaving families with autistic children to bear the high costs of treatment on their own. Treating autism can cost a single family $50,000 or more annually. Residents can sign the petition at www.housedems.com/petitions. While on the site, residents also can share stories about how autism has affected them and their families.
Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation that will encourage greater research into the causes and treatments of the disorder. The plan will create the Autism Research Fund to research the causes and treatments to the disorder, as well as establish a new income tax checkoff box to allow Michigan residents to voluntarily designate a portion of their tax return to the fund.
"While there is no single known case of autism, there are ways to help kids if the disorder is recognized early," McDowell said. "This early intervention gives children a chance to thrive developmentally. It's time for insurance companies to do the right thing and help in the fight against autism."