Please be there!
We need you to attend the second Senate workgroup session on Monday, June 21st from 12-2 pm. The workgroup will be held at the Detroit Medical Center's Children's Hospital Auditorium. A link to a map and parking instructions can be found here. Parking is available in the garage for $2.50 or you can choose to valet park (also, for a fee).
We need you to attend the second Senate workgroup session on Monday, June 21st from 12-2 pm. The workgroup will be held at the Detroit Medical Center's Children's Hospital Auditorium. A link to a map and parking instructions can be found here. Parking is available in the garage for $2.50 or you can choose to valet park (also, for a fee).
The auditorium seats 250 people- we need it packed with standing room only! Please wear your AIM shirts to show your support. If you do not have one, they can be purchased by going to Autism-Ask or a limited quantity will be available for only $5 on Monday. Everyone is welcome, so please plan to be there!!
Speakers for this event are:
Anthony Earley, Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy
Stephen D'Arcy, Global Automotive Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers L.LP and Chairman of the Board for Detroit Medical Center
David Meador, Executive V.P. and CFO of DTE Energy
Robert Ficano, County Executive for Wayne County
Krista Kennedy, Director of Behavioral Services for the Autism Center at Children's Hospital of Michigan
Ruth Anan, Ph.D., Director of the Early Childhood Program at Beaumont Hospital
Amy Matthews, Ph.D., Project Director for the START Program at Grand Valley State University
Peter Bell, Executive V.P. of Programs and Services for Autism Speaks
Jim and Lisa Price, Co-Founders of Jack's Place for Autism
Letters to the Editor
Please write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper this week, ASAP! We are trying to get as much coverage of this issue as we can! Listed below are some key themes and points, as suggested by Dave Meador, who is going to be one of the speakers on Monday. Feel free to use these key talking points in your letter or create your own, with the theme being that it is time for the Senate leadership to take action NOW!
Key points:
Autism Insurance Reform in Michigan equals at least $14 billion more in savings for Michigan, a state in desperate need of reform. This is a conservative estimate.
Michigan's 15,000 children with autism do not have access to the medically proven therapies that can move at least half of them to normal function. While the cause and cure of autism are not known, these proven therapies are not covered by Michigan’s insurance companies. Of the savings, $200,000 per child would go to the schools over their school life.
That is why 22 states have rapidly passed this legislation and another 21 are on their way. Autism reform legislation equals at least $14 billion in savings to Michigan, $3 billion of that to the schools. It allows children a chance at a productive life and new jobs for health care professionals. Reform doesn't get much better.
We encourage the Michigan Senate to continue to provide leadership and move on this legislation before the summer recess.
Goal:
Most Michigan Insurance Policies exclude coverage for medically proven therapies for children with autism. We are seeking to become the 23th State to pass insurance reform that would provide therapies including, but not limited to Therapeutic evaluations and interventions, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment for Young Children - Intensive early intervention, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Psychological Services, Psychiatric Services
The case for change is has been made and the time for action is NOW.
Michigan's 15,000 children with autism do not have access to the medically proven therapies that can move at least half of them to normal function. While the cause and cure of autism are not known, these proven therapies are not covered by Michigan’s insurance companies. Of the savings, $200,000 per child would go to the schools over their school life.
That is why 22 states have rapidly passed this legislation and another 21 are on their way. Autism reform legislation equals at least $14 billion in savings to Michigan, $3 billion of that to the schools. It allows children a chance at a productive life and new jobs for health care professionals. Reform doesn't get much better.
We encourage the Michigan Senate to continue to provide leadership and move on this legislation before the summer recess.
Goal:
Most Michigan Insurance Policies exclude coverage for medically proven therapies for children with autism. We are seeking to become the 23th State to pass insurance reform that would provide therapies including, but not limited to Therapeutic evaluations and interventions, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment for Young Children - Intensive early intervention, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Psychological Services, Psychiatric Services
The case for change is has been made and the time for action is NOW.
