By AP
DETROIT – Activists who want Michigan insurers to offer coverage for behavioral therapy for autistic children are considering suing the state's Medicaid program and insurers to
force a change.
A class-action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan led to a settlement under which it became the state's first insurer to offer coverage for autistic children.
But The Detroit News reports that most Michigan insurers still don't cover autism therapies.
Autism advocates are trying to change that through lawsuits and legislation to take the financial burden off families of services that can cost up to $50,000 annually.
Many insurers don't cover therapeutic coverage because they deem the therapies experimental. Activists counter that research shows many are proven to be effective, especially when implemented early.