Should Michigan Require Insurance Companies to Cover Autism Treatments?

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - The State of Michigan does not require insurance companies to cover the cost of treating autism spectrum disorders.

One in every 110 individuals and one in every 70 boys is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Research shows if autism is not treated, in many cases a child will likely require full time care for the rest of their life.  Over the lifespan, a study finds the average cost of caring for one person with autism is $3.7-million.

Health care plans in Michigan systematically exclude many of the prescribed, medically proven treatments for autism.

Thousands of Michigan families are struggling to pay for care for their children with spectrum disorders.

One metro Detroit couple has sacrificed almost everything to get their son the treatment they believe could help him. They're now working to help other local families facing the same battle.

For three-year-old Joseph, a simple hand gesture is cause to celebrate. It has been a complicated journey to get to this point.

"He was on time rolling over, but then late with crawling. Very, very late with walking. His hands, we noticed the flapping, which I think is a sign that most people recognize," said Stacey Murphy, Joseph's mother.

All textbook symptoms of autism. Eventually, Joseph was diagnosed with PDDNOS, an umbrella term used until autism can be definitively diagnosed.

"It was almost like getting a knife stuck in your stomach," Stacey Murphy explained.

Still not sure what the future would bring for Joseph, the reality hit hard when the Murphys visited an autism treatment center.

"It was at that point where my heart broke because I recognized my child in seeing those other kids," Stacey Murphy said.

However, during that emotional visit, the Murphys also learned intensive early intervention for kids like Joseph is best, and that's what he's now getting at Children's Hospital of Michigan's Autism Center in Novi. In just a few months, the boy who didn't acknowledge anyone is now giving kisses.

"Until we got here, Joe did not show affection, and it's now give me a kiss. First thing, he comes up and gives you a kiss or blows you a kiss. We didn't experience that until here," said Joe Murphy, Joseph's father. "It's monumental for such a little thing for him to look at you and acknowledge you."

However, it comes at a cost. Five day a week therapy adds up to $4,000 a month.

Stacey has a good job with benefits, but Michigan doesn't require insurance companies to pay for autism treatment. Everyone feels this financial strain.

"When families call me and I know that we have this golden nugget and it's not within reach for all of our families, then that hurts," said Geri Deboard, the center's administrator.

The Murphys have now blown through their retirement savings, selling everything except Stacey's wedding band. Next to go may be the house they hoped their children would grow up in.

"If we had it, its gone, and we love our son and will do anything. If there's anything else I can do, I'll do it for him, but eventually you run out of resources, and we're getting there. One more month and one more payment," Joe Murphy said.

Joseph's progress has prompted Stacey to organize a fundraiser for the center, not just for her family, but for others struggling to pay for what insurance doesn't cover.

"My son and the other children here and the other children that are being diagnosed, they have a chance at life. They have a chance not just to live, but to live life the way that they should," said Stacey Murphy.

You can help families like the Murphys by supporting the Children's Hospital of Michigan Autism Center's fall fundraiser on Thursday, October 20th. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley will share his personal connection with autism at the event.  Click here for details.

Many lawmakers have dedicated years to trying to help families who can't afford medical care for their autistic children. In 2009, the Michigan House overwhelmingly approved legislation to force companies to cover therapy, but the Senate sat on the legislation for 18 months. Now, the Senate has two new proposals in committee.

State Senator Tupac Hunter is one of the co-authors.  We asked him what the chances are that this legislation will actually go through.

"Last session, we were at the door. It passed the House. The governor was a great supporter, the former Governor Jennifer Granholm, but our former majority leader didn't allow a vote. The votes were there. He didn't allow a vote for philosophical reasons. However, I understand the current majority leader in the Senate to be supportive. We've worked very well on this issue in the past. I think it's a matter of priorities now. We are doing a lot of big things in the legislature. A lot of controversial things. I think that is absolutely possible for us to get this done and get it done today," he said.

It's also important to note that if the legislation is passed, it would only affect state regulated health plans. Many large companies