SPRING ARBOR -- With autism treatment not covered by most insurance plans, Kathleen Mahoney-Jaster believes some providers don't locate in Michigan because families can't afford to pay for their services.
The Spring Arbor resident, who has a daughter with autism, hopes that will change as a result of legislation that has cleared the Michigan Senate.
The legislation would require insurers to provide coverage for autism treatment.
"I'm really hoping that this is going to help us move some of these kids forward and make them more independent and more productive," Mahoney-Jaster said. "Because that's what this treatment is really about."
Her daughter, Miranda Jaster, 11, was diagnosed with autism at age 5. "We finally found an occupational therapist just within the last two years," Mahoney-Jaster said. "We do notice a great difference."
The family paid for speech therapy for Miranda out-of-pocket until the insurance provided by her husband's employer began covering the cost about a year ago, she said.
Mahoney-Jaster, a mental health therapist at Allegiance Health, is a board member of the Jackson Autism Support Network.
Original post:
Autism coverage bill: Mom hopes legislation will expand care