by Myca Belknap

Created on: April 17, 2008

There is currently in the House of Representative a bill which would require Blue Cross Blue Shield (of Michigan) to cover Autism Spectrum Disorder therapy and treatments. Some people are afraid that forcing insurance companies to cover therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will take away funds from much needed critical care. Such insurance bills have been passed in other states with wonderful results for individuals, families, schools and health providers as well as other professionals rendering services and therapies for ASD patients. The passing of such bills in other states has enabled investors to start private schools (with insurance funding) and thereby offer parents more options as to their child's education. The opening of these schools has also provided employment opportunities to a variety of educational personnel. Running such a school requires Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Physical Therapist, Teachers, Counselors, Secretarial and Office Staff, Janitorial Services, ect.

It seems to me that the condition of "autism" is a valid disease and it should be considered "critical care". One in 150 children is being diagnosed on the spectrum and that number is predicted to rise even more. Autism is just as debilitating as and more prevalent than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined and more long term than some other "covered" diagnosis. Some argue that there is no cure for autism and since it is not life threatening it should be up to insurance companies whether or not it is covered. There is no cure for diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers. But these are life threatening and they claim ASD's are not. Perhaps it is really all about profits. What am I saying? It is always about money. These statements imply that these children do not "need" care as much as any other policy holder and that their condition is not say "life threatening". However, as in my son's case, autism is a "life threatening" condition which if gone untreated puts them in jeopardy of losing their lives, for some everyday. Many, like my son, put themselves at risk and may come close to dying on more than one occasion. The right therapy could decrease the chances of them running out in front of a car or drowning in a lakemy son IS in "imminent" danger. Autism IS a critical and "life threatening" disease. A large number of individuals on the spectrum die because of the symptoms of ASD. Other children on the spectrum will have their own (some different) areas where

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