LANSING (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder has signed an order establishing an Autism Council within the state Department of Community Health.
The governor's office said Thursday's order is a step to implement Michigan's Autism Spectrum Disorders State Plan. The council will have 12 gubernatorial appointees.
Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley pushed hard to win passage of a mandate for insurance coverage for autism treatment for children. Insurers are reimbursed through a $15 million autism coverage incentive fund.
Calley's daughter Reagan has been diagnosed with autism.
Michigan's upcoming budget also provides for Medicaid coverage of autism treatment for children through the age of 18.
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