Autism insurance coverage dies in state (MI) Senate

[The Straight Story]

Autism insurance coverage dies in state Senate
Associated Press / Associated Press

Lansing— The Michigan Legislature won't pass proposals requiring insurance coverage for certain autism treatments in the 2009-10 session.

Republican leaders in the Senate would not allow a vote on the proposal before finishing its voting for the year early today. The Democratic-run House had approved the measure last year.


Aggressive last-minute lobbying from Lt. Gov.-elect Brian Calley and other lawmakers could not persuade the Senate to take up the measure.

More than 20 other states have similar laws, but the Michigan measure is opposed by business and insurance groups that say mandating coverage would raise the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance.

Supporters of the measure say it's an issue of fairness and that it would save Michigan money in the long run.


http://www.detnews.com/article/20101203/POLITICS02/12030402/