One year ago I (along with a lot of other parents) was in the state capitol in Michigan advocating almost around the clock for three days for passage of Autism Insurance Coverage for Children in the state of Michigan.  Doesn’t seem like it would be a particularly hard thing to convince someone of, does it?  You have a child with a medical diagnosis.  A child with a real neurological condition.  A child that with early treatment and intervention has a great chance to overcome many of the hurdles that their medical condition would otherwise impose on them over the course of their lifetime.  To put it more bluntly, you help these kids and you give them a more promising, productive, rewarding future.

In the midst of what seemed like the final days before Spring Break in a middle school, we (the parents, therapists, children, etc. advocating for this legislation) watched as the legislators … many in their final days as legislators … ate cake and pizza and sang songs karaoke style on the floor of the Senate (seriously).  It was truly as if they’d gotten all of their work done early and were just counting down the final hours of their tax payer funded terms before they could all go home for Christmas break (you see Virginia in Michigan our Senators and Representative collect full-time paychecks but don’t necessarily put in full-time hours or work year round).  One of the things they forgot to do though was give the kids and families in Michigan battling Autism a chance to get their children the life changing help they need.  In what amounted to politics and political gamesmanship at its best (dirtiest?) the bill was blocked and kept as far away from the floor as it could because many (even those opposing it) knew that if the bill got to the floor of the Senate there were enough votes for it to get passed.  That would have been a life changing moment for thousands of kids and families in Michigan. But alas, it was not to be.

That’s history though and the point of this post is not to idly lament history.  My point IS to ask where the champions for our kids have gone in THIS session. You see, this year – 2011 – was supposed to be different.  A ton of new members in the Senate and House meant the entire process had to start over again but THIS time we had a leg up (or maybe not) …. because THIS time we had champions in high places that cared about this legislation (do they?).  But many of us are now, on the anniversary of the crushing defeat felt last year, wondering ….. where have our Champions (or potential Champions) gone?????

Where did Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) go?  He had hearings last year.  Gave countless parents hope and encouragement as he toured around the state in 2010 heading up his Autism Insurance informational sessions.  He accepted awards and spoke at rallies talking about the need for Autism Insurance Reform. He was supposed to be a champion for Autism Insurance in the Senate. Despite the failure last year we were assured that he was a champion, we were assured the he was a fighter, we were assured he wouldn’t forget …. so where is he now as the LEADER of the Senate Republican Majority?

Where did our Champion Lt. Governor Brian Calley go?  He famously has a daughter with Autism.  He was a leading voice late in the charge for the passage of the Autism Insurance legislation last fall. He spoke out on the radio and even did a video on behalf of the legislation trying to advocate for its passage.  He took his shots from the opposition but kept charging. By his own admission his outspoken advocacy for the legislation was perhaps a bit late in the game but there is no doubt that his efforts, if ultimately unsuccessful, were important. You can see him all over the place these days as the Lt. Governor taking the Governor’s message and fight to the two chambers in Lansing and the media (the bridge to Canada, the budget, school funding, tax reform, etc.).  He had fire and passion last year for Autism Insurance Coverage for Michigan’s kids ……. but where is our Lt. Governor today?

Senator Jim Marleau – Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee – He has supported Autism and disability rights issues for years.  He sits on the board of the nonprofit “Homes for Autism”. When it was announced that he would be the Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and that the Autism Insurance for Children bills would be assigned to his committee there was widespread relief.  With someone who understood the issue we all figured the odds of it getting locked and blocked in committee never to see the light of day on the Senate chamber floor (as happened last year) would be a concern we could shelf. A funny thing happened on the way out of the Health Policy committee though …… nothing (it’s like visions of last year all over again). Our potential Champion who could bring this legislation up in his committee and send it to the Senate floor, well, ummmm … he isn’t. Senator Marleau …… where are you?

Just to be clear I’m not disparaging any of these three Republican politicians. (I highlight Republican here because it IS the Republicans stopping this legislation just as it was last year.  As a conservative Republican it pains me to say this but the reason our kids in Michigan don’t have Autism coverage is because the Republicans … at least thus far …. have not wanted them to have it. The truth hurts but that doesn’t make it less true …. sadly.)  I have a tremendous amount of respect for them and believe that the leadership they could provide this State is much needed.

My frustration however is this ….. they’ve all elected to not be loud, vocal, aggressive advocates for our kids.  Despite their strength and influence and stature they’ve all elected to sit on their hands and not do anything.  Despite their vocal support of these kids and families and helping them at Autism related events ….. they’re not delivering.

Who knows, maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe behind the scenes these three potential Champions for our kids are working hard and trying to line up the votes. However, these Republicans are finishing up their first year in office. They’ve passed 231 new laws. Of those laws 95% of them have been laws championed and introduced by Republicans. That’s 231 new laws in less than a year.

So it’s not like they can’t get something they care about passed.

But not a whisper about Autism.

The rate of Autism and the number of births in the State of Michigan would suggest that over 1,000 additional children in the State of Michigan were diagnosed this past year. That’s over 1,000 additional families that are discovering that their insurance company WILL NOT cover their child.

They will not cover the life changing therapies.

They will not cover the interventions that literally will mean a savings of millions of dollars over the lifetime of that child.

Approximately 1,000 additional children were diagnosed with Autism this year and they won’t have coverage because our Senators and Representatives don’t think that they’re important enough to protect.

Michigan was one of the first states in the country to take up the Autism Insurance fight for our kids.  In the time that our State Senators, Representatives and Governors have done nothing, 29 other states have stepped up to protect their children.

A year ago I was in Lansing tonight working hard with other parents to try to get coverage passed that would have helped thousands of children and families across the state. We were fighting for our kids but we were also fighting so that those 1,000 children newly diagnosed this past year wouldn’t have to suffer like our children and families have had to suffer.

A year ago we watched the Senate singing karaoke on the floor of the chamber, glad handing each other while they ate pizza and cake and then snuck out of town after abandoning our kids.

This year’s Senate and House have also chosen to ignore these children.

Where did our Champions go?

Have they really forgotten about our kids that quickly?

Source: The Dome Magazine

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We just got our confirmation from Santa that our annual “Special Kids Santa Event” at 12 Oaks Mall will be taking place on December 4th this year from 9:00am to 10:45am.

During this special reserved time families of children with Autism and other special needs have the ability to take the time they need in a more relaxed environment to visit and take pictures with Santa.  Professional photographers will be available.  If visiting Santa has always been a tough thing for your child and family because of the crowds, noise, chaos, lines, etc. this event is the solution you’ve been looking for.  During this time the mall is only open to mall walkers and employees so it’s a GREAT opportunity to let your child have the same “going to the mall to get pictures with Santa” experience that their classmates get to enjoy!

If you have any questions please call Staci @ 734-612-3934!  Hope to see you there!

What: Special Kids Santa

Where: Twelve Oaks, Novi Michigan (map)

Who: MyGreatKid.com & Our Great Kids

What Day: Sunday, December 4th, 2011

What Time : 9:00-10:45am

This year’s theme will be the “Ice Palace” of Narnia.

***Download Friendly Flyer – Sensory Friendly Santa Visit

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On February 12th the Michigan Autism Physicians Network will be hosting their “Autism: Biomedical Treatments – Care – Options” conference at The Renaissance Baronette Hotel in Novi, Michigan.  This conference will be a fantastic opportunity to hear from some of the top names in Biomedical treatment and to learn more about the biomedical approach to treating Autism and a variety of other health conditions.  For details on the conference please click here for more information.

We at “My Great Kid” believe in the biomedical approach and in the tremendous benefits of biomedical treatments so much in fact that we have teamed up with Health Dimensions Compounding Pharmacy and the other folks putting this conference on to offer the following special packages and giveaway:

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY

ONE FREE TICKET TO THE : “AUTISM: Biomedical Treatments – Care – Options

1 Free Night Stay For The Evening Of Feb. 12th, 2001 At The Renaissance Hotel Baronette

Find out more about the conference by clicking here and more about this beautiful hotel by clicking here

However, in addition to the Grand Prize Giveaway, we also have 9 tickets available for the conference  for only $50.00.  So, for those of you who would like to make it to the conference but are finding the money situation a little tight this is a chance to get a ticket to this fantastic conference for 1/2 off.

To enter for the Grand Prize Giveaway or the discounted ticket giveaway all you need to do is go to our Biomedical Conference page – here – and leave a comment or send an email to steve@mygreatkid.com.  All prize winners will be chosen on Sunday, Feb. 6th, 2011 and winners will be contacted by phone or email.

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We had the great opportunity to be a part of the discussion on Autism and Vaccines on the Frank Beckman show on WJR 760am this morning. Listen to our interview with Frank and Vaccine expert Mary Tocco

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Great interview with Stephanie Harlan from AIM (Autism Insurance in Michigan) and Autism ASK about the motivation for her strong advocacy efforts concerning Autism Insurance Reform, in addition to, her own families Autism success story.

This clip actually starts with part of the testimony given by her son Justin Harlan to the Michigan House when he was eight years old. Amazing kid, amazing story, amazing advocates for children and families with Autism, amazing Mom … exactly what we like to highlight on the show. Enjoy this great interview ….

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Here’s the interview from this morning on WJR 760 with Lt. Governor Elect Brian Calley and myself discussing the pending Autism Insurance Legislation on the “Frank Beckmann Show” …..

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We stress the need for early diagnosis of Autism.  You see those ads and billboards all over the place talking about the rates of Autism (1 in 110 children, 1 in 70 boys).  Specialists across this country look for the signs of Autism.  We spend money on research trying to figure out how to more quickly identify Autism in young children.  The reason is simple … early diagnosis can lead to early treatment.  Early treatment means not only a better future for these children and their families but it also means savings of millions of dollars …

So we stress early diagnosis.  We train for early diagnosis.  We watch for the signs to allow for early diagnosis.

We diagnose the child……..

then we take away the child’s insurance coverage.

Does that make any kind of logical sense?

If the Michigan Senate decides not to pass this legislation maybe we should stop pushing so hard for early diagnosis.  If a diagnosis gives a label but takes away treatment it seems to me we’re just hurting children by stressing the diagnosis in the first place.

Please listen to this short clip from out upcoming interview with House Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer as she explains what is meant by Autism Insurance Reform.

(to find out more about the Autism Insurance Reform legislation sitting in the Senate please click here)

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I’ve talked a lot about the Autism Insurance Reform legislation sitting in the Senate lately.  Part of  the reason is because for me it’s personal.  Not only because of the impact that Autism has had on my own family but we’ve had to work with families over the years unable to get their children the help they need.  We’v sat with families and seen the realization cross their face that their child’s future is going to suffer because they can’t afford the tens of thousands of dollars that therapy would entail.

BUT what the opponents of this legislation won’t talk about is the dramatic IMPACT on EVERY MICHIGAN TAXPAYER if this legislation isn’t passed.  Listen to this short 3 minute clip from our interview with House Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer to find out why that is …

(and don’t forget to check out our Autism Insurance Reform page for more information and what you can do to help these families)

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Lt. Governor elect Brian Calley speaks out for his daughter and the other families of children with Autism in the state of Michigan on why Autism Insurance Reform Legislation needs to pass NOW!

“There’s a certain amount of embarrassment …. it’s not embarrassment of her…. but it’s this idea that we needed help… so.. who wants to admit that they need help raising their kids?”

So should you support this Autism Insurance Reform legislation because you want to help these kids and their families?

Should this legislation pass simply because these families need help?

Some might be inclined to say yes, but the truth is that it’s not legislation that should pass because it makes us feel good.  It’s legislation that NEEDS to pass because financially it’s the RIGHT thing to do …….

“when we make a choice in our insurance code to say that we’re not going to cover autism services not only are we choosing to condemn people … real people … to a life of dependence but we’re also obligating tax payers to just an incredible amount of expense”

“ by choosing to do that (rejecting this Autism Reform Legislation) what you’re saying to the tax payers of this state …(is) that we’re going to impose upon you the cost of taking care of this population for the rest of their lives”

Okay, sure that’s the argument that we always hear right …. do this or it will cost you! But what about the people that say this is going to cause our insurance premiums to go through the roof ….

“it will make a difference in insurance of about 1% or less, something less than 1%…”

So, see our rates will go up!  It might be less than 1% but that’s still real money and that’s still increasing our expenses.  It’s not going to save us money it’s going to cost us money! Sure, you might feel badly for these kids and their families but it’s not a smart decision to raise our rates with no benefit for the taxpayers.  This is just another piece of legislation that will raise our expenses with no benefit for us.

Actually …. no, that’s no right at all

“the savings to tax payers (if this legislation is approved) ….. $14 billion dollars.”

Fourteen BILLION dollars in savings. Yeah …. that’s $14 billion ….. that’s BILLION with a B.

See, here’s the simple facts of this debate.  The insurance companies are choosing to not cover this MEDICAL condition because it allows them to increase their profit margins and boost their surpluses (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in 2009 had surpluses of roughly $2 Billion dollars).  By specifically targeting families and children with Autism and blocking their insurance from providing the care that their MEDICAL condition requires the insurance companies are pushing substantially higher costs off  on each … and every  …. one of us.

They make BILLIONS while these children suffer and all of us are left with the bills.

So we pass this legislation and we can:

1. Help young children receive the medical care that their parents are PAYING for which means that they’re at an increased likelihood of being able to lead more productive, independent lives.
2. Help families around the State of Michigan from having to go so far into debt that they’re losing their homes and facing foreclosure and bankruptcy simply to get their children the medical care they need.
3. Reduce the burden on schools because these children, with early intervention and therapy, require less help when they reach school.
4. Reduce the cost to taxpayers by BILLIONS of dollars.
5. Reduce the need for expensive services and assistance for many of these children over their lifetime.

It helps FAMILIES.

It helps CHILDREN.

It reduces TAXES.

It reduces the size of GOVERNMENT.

It creates additional JOBS in MICHIGAN

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY THIS LEGISLATION SHOULDN’T PASS?

Seriously, this isn’t a rhetorical question comment below or email me at Steve@MyGreatKid.com … because I simply don’t understand.

While you’re pondering that question, watch this video again and see if you can find a reason to support this legislation …..

Then take 5 minutes of time to do something to help this legislation get passed …..

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP!!

1. First and foremost, call your Michigan state senator today and again tomorrow.

> Find your senator’s name and number HERE. Ask him/her to please help Michigan families affected by autism by calling for the autism insurance reform issue to be placed on the Senate agenda before the end of the year. Be polite, but persistent. If you can’t talk to the senator, talk to staff about how critical it is to pass legislation this year.

2. Follow up your phone call with a quick, personalized e-mail. We’ve made it simple to do. You can get started right HERE.

3. Share this action alert with friends and family through email and social networking like your Facebook page! Asking them to make calls and send e-mails to their state senators too. There is strength in numbers!

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