Autism Insurance Reform Is Signed Into Law By Lt. Governor Brian Calley!
When: April 18th, 2012
Where: The Governor’s Mansion – Lansing, Michigan
The Three New Michigan Autism Insurance Reform Bills
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MIRS BREAKING NEWS: Autism Insurance Reform Package Clears Senate — 1:15 p.m.
The Senate today passed a three-bill package on autism insurance coverage championed by both Gov. Rick SNYDER and Senate Majority Leader Randy RICHARDVILLE (R-Monroe).
The bills are SB 0414, SB 0415 and SB 0981. SB 0414 passed 29-9, with all the no votes coming from Republicans. SB 0981 passed 28-10.
Sen. John GLEASON (D-Flushing) lauded Lt. Gov. Brian CALLEY, whose daughter has autism, for taking the lead on the effort.
“You have become the face of this issue . . . because you were bold enough, really courageous enough, to put your family issues before 10 million Michiganders,” Gleason said.
The package moved out last week from the Senate Health Policy Committee (See “Autism Coverage Bills Sent to Senate Floor,” 3/8/12).
Senate Appropriations Chair Roger KAHN (R-Saginaw) lost amendments to the bills that would sunset the proposed law on Jan. 1, 2015.
“What is so difficult about a sunset?” he asked. “It allows us the opportunity to revisit the issue.”
On SB 0981, Kahn’s amendment capped spending at $30 million. He said it would limit “the amount of damage this bill will do in attempting to do good.” That also failed.
He raised his concerns about revenues coming in below estimates, as he’s done for several years. He said the bills are “important to me,” but it’s important not to “rob” those suffering from ailments like hemophilia from funding, as well. He said that the administration’s estimate could be low, arguing that similar legislation cost $80 million in Minnesota.
“Members should know this is an increase and ongoing cost, undefined but certainly increasing substantially,” Kahn said.
Richardville won amendments to each bill that would make the law go into effect on Oct. 1.
SB 0415 sponsor Sen. Tupac HUNTER (D-Detroit) said today “marks an important milestone in the Senate, but more importantly, for Michigan families.” He said he was approached five years ago by a constituent whose child has autism, which inspired him to introduce legislation.
An attempt by Sen. Rebekah WARREN (D-Ann Arbor) to add mental health parity to the bill via a substitute was shot down on a 18-20 record roll-call vote. She said it would “enhance this compassionate legislation.” She said she is “proud” to vote for the autism
Click here to read the exciting conclusion ….
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“We shouldn’t look at this as a mandate, but a moral public responsibility,”
- Sen. John Gleason, D-Flushing
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This afternoon there will be a vote in the Senate Health Policy Committee on the Autism Insurance Reform legislation. Should it pass out of committee the hope is that it will be on the floor of the MI Senate within a week for a full Senate vote before heading over to the House, where the process will start over again.
Supporters of the legislation are hopeful while opponents are doing everything they can deny, block or change and weaken the legislation.
Which brings up the question I’ve gotten repeatedly the last couple of weeks …..
“Who the heck wouldn’t want to see children with Autism receive coverage?”
In an effort to answer this question, while also addressing some of the “WHY” behind the “WHO”, I dove into the testimony that’s been given to the MI Senate Health Policy Committee regarding this legislation. The result of this research is listed below …..
Business Interests Opposing
The Economic Alliance for Michigan (members include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan)
- Letter Opposing This Legislation
- “strong opposition to any state-imposed health insurance mandates”
- “purchasers …. should be able to determine”
- “impact only about a third of Michiganians”
- Board of Directors: The Economic Alliance for Michigan
SBAM | Small Business Association of Michigan
- Group Health Insurance Provider – Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan
- Letter Opposing This Legislation
- Board of Directors – Small Business Association of Michigan
- “opposed …as written”
- “long-standing policy against any and all health insurance mandates”
- “only applies to … 20-25% of MI residents”
- “SBAM members pay over $9,000/year/employee for health insurance and premium increases average double digits.”
Voted Best Lobbying Organization | Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Executive Committee 2012 | Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Letter Opposing This Legislation
- “voice our opposition to any new mandated health insurance benefits”
- “fails to protect three out of four MI families.”
- “look for ways to help all of MI’s autistic children, not just those lucky to have private insurance”
- Oddly enough, last year they also opposed a mandate for Oral Chemo Drugs
Grand Rapids & Detroit Chambers of Commerce (amongst other groups)
- Talking Points Cheat Sheet
- Will only extend coverage for less than 1/4 of Michigan’s families
- Will increase costs and leave more Michiganders uninsured
- Diminish and erode employer and collective bargaining rights
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