Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the Senate on June 8, 2011

Click here to view bill details.

Interesting that this bill sounds identical to one introduced by Tupac Hunter.  Perhaps a political maneuver. Both seem to be a bad idea.  Mandating coverage turns insurance into an entitlement.  When insurance companies can no longer define their coverage, market forces are eliminated.

Are you aware of the statistics associated with autism or early diagnosis/treatment?  The Autism Alliance of Michigan has put together some of the statistics.  You may or may not find it interesting, but I can assure you that there are not many things that can bring a parent to their knees as quickly as finding out that your premium health insurance plan won't cover speech or occupational therapy for your 22 month old son and that you and your spouse will have to figure out how to drum up the 30-40k per year it costs for treatment.  I'm a conservative fellow, but the lay of the land as it stands is pretty ridiculous.  

  http://autismallianceofmichigan.org/news-info/

Well there you go. Now the taxpayer can invest in giving some of these kids a fighting chance. The people who don't get the therapy become dependent on the state for the duration of their lifetime. With the proven therapies that allow over 1/2 of them to go on to live normal functioning lives and actually contribute to the system, this legislation makes total sense.

Here again, the government is being charitable with other people's money.  Let free market forces decide prices in health insurance and health care.  The government always seems to be butting in and thus driving up costs for everyone.  Then they pat themselves on the back as saviors.  Let charitable groups, churches and the good people of communities do the charitable thing.  The government should not be such a heavy influence in business meddling.

You mean like they've been doing right? I'm a Conservative. I almost always vote for the Republican candidate. But the market isn't even coming close to handling this problem as is. Look at Indiana for example. They're light years of ahead of us when it comes to solving some of the problems that face these kids. Do you realize that insurance companies currently pay $0 (yes...not a single cent) for autism therapy? How in your mind is that "working?" It's ironic because as conservative as I've been my entire life this is the first time that I can honestly say that my livelihood and the survival of our family depended on what our government (regardless of level) decided. It's been an eye opener for both my wife and I. It's funny how you hold a hard line until it's something that directly impacts you. Fortunately for yourself, you haven't been confronted with this problem otherwise I'm certain that you would beat to a different tune. I voted for Joe Hune who represents my district. He's played the "anti-mandate" card and is everything that I've defended over the last decade. After going through this experience, I can assure you I won't make the same mistake twice. Unless you're a family with nearly unlimited funds, your child up until now hasn't had the opportunity to receive any treatment for autism in this state. My wife and I both work and are just a hair shy of the 28% tax bracket. Unfortunately we don't have $50K in cash to spend so that our son can get the proven therapy that will likely help him becoming a contributing member of society himself. I apologize for being such a burden to the system that we've been paying into (and continue to do so) for the past 20+ years.

your statement makes sense to me...that is why I am in favor of the bill...this requires that insurance cover the treatment...those purchasing the insurance will end up paying...what makes people think that is wrong baffles me...it is the principle of insurance...i think people think of politics before thinking about what makes sense...

I think this mandate is so important to pass here. So many kids are dealing with this and need the help here. I hope it goes through. orlando personal injury lawyers

This insurance is so important to a lot of parents that have kids dealing with autism. This is going to help a lot of parents out there. Glad that they will offer this. Tesol certificate

 I know this is a very humanitarian cause but the increase in my BCBS policy is almost unbearable.  My latest bill today showed an increase of almost 30% in my policy for this coverage and this after two letters increasing it for obamacare directives.  I am a huge Gov Snyder supporter and think he has done a great job but financially this bill is causing additional stress to me and my family as we continue to try to rise above the current economic conditions.  Overall in the last 4 years my policy has increased over 50% and if this continues. might as well call in the witch doctors to try that route.

 

 

 I'm glad you think a 30% increase in your bill is almost unbearable.   How about the 24 thousand dollars I've paid out of pocket for treatment so my son can have an opportunity at a normail life.    These treatments have proven to cost less to society if these kids are given the interventions they need.   I'm trying my best to deal with it.   I'll trade your increase in policy for my cash out of pocket costs any day.