LANSING (AP) -- Michigan lawmakers are renewing efforts to require the offering of insurance coverage for certain autism treatments.
Bills were introduced this week in the state Senate. Democratic Sen. Tupac Hunter of Detroit said Thursday the insurance coverage is needed to help families that can't afford the costs of certain autism treatments for their children.
More than 20 other states have similar laws, but the Michigan measure is opposed by business and insurance groups that say mandating coverage would raise the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance.
Supporters of the measure say it's an issue of fairness and that it would save Michigan money in the long run.
The proposal to require autism insurance coverage stalled in the Senate last year. Bills are being reintroduced for the 2011-12 legislative session.
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