LANSING A state legislative committee approved a package of bills that would require insurance companies to pay for autism diagnosis and treatment.
The package passed the full Senate earlier this month.
The bi-partisan package requires insurance companies to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) the same way it covers physical illnesses. The bills also create an incentive program and matching fund, allowing insurers to recoup some of the costs of providing treatment.
The three bills comprising the package passed 7-0, with state Reps. Maureen Stapleton, D-Detroit, and Dian Slavens, D-Canton, passing on each vote.
Slavens and Stapleton both tried unsuccessfully to amend the bills to include a provision for mental health parity, which would require insurers to cover all mental health disorders.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Michigan and Economic Alliance of Mid-Michigan testified in opposition to the bills.
The business-backed Chamber and union-backed Economic Alliance both argued that coverage should be part of the collective bargaining process; all three groups said the mandate would raise the cost of doing business and make the state a less attractive place to start a business.
None of the three had data on how many of their members would utilize the autism coverage if the bills were signed into law.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, whose young daughter is autistic, testified in the committee about the bills.
He disputed the Chamber's assertion that autism treatments would be market-driven, with insurance companies covering the therapies if there were a demand.
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Autism mandates pass committee, head to state House of Representatives