Human services: medical services; coverage for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and treatment of autism spectrum disorders; require. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 109u.
Summary
House Bill 4739 would amend Michigan’s Social Welfare Act to prohibit the Department of Human Services from imposing an age limit on Medicaid coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The bill also requires the department to extend Medicaid coverage, within 180 days, to eligible individuals age 21 and older for autism-related diagnosis and treatment services.
The bill defines covered autism spectrum disorders to include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and it defines diagnosis services as assessments, evaluations, or tests performed by a licensed physician or psychologist, including the autism diagnostic observation schedule. If necessary, the department must seek a Medicaid state plan amendment and obtain any required federal approval to implement the coverage change.
Impact
HB4739 would change the state Medicaid program by removing age-based limits for autism diagnosis and treatment coverage and by explicitly requiring coverage for adults over 21. It would amend 1939 PA 280, the Social Welfare Act, by adding a new section governing medical assistance benefits for autism spectrum disorders. The bill could expand access to diagnostic and therapeutic services for adults with autism and may require administrative and federal Medicaid approval steps to implement.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a coverage-expansion bill aimed at improving access to autism-related services, which typically suggests a policy intent focused on health access and disability support.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the cost and scope of expanding Medicaid coverage to adults age 21 and older, including whether the state and federal Medicaid program would approve and fund the added services. Another likely issue is the breadth of the mandate, since the bill removes age limits entirely for autism diagnosis and treatment coverage and requires the department to pursue any necessary federal approvals to comply.