MichiganRadio

New Help for Children with Autism ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will soon start offering coverage for some childhood autism treatments.

The new coverage will focus on intensive early intervention treatments.

The new benefit option would cover children aged 2 to 5 who use a treatment called applied behavioral analysis. If approved by state regulators the option would be available to buy starting in July for customer groups that already have outpatient mental health coverage.

Helen Stojic is a Blue Cross spokeswoman. She says Blue Cross is responding to local demand.

"We saw a need in the community and moved to find a way to address it," says Stojic, "We developed the coverage option as part of our commitment to improve the health and wellness of Michigan children and families."

Blue Cross was sued over its previous refusal to cover similar treatments. Many insurers in Michigan don't cover autism treatment.

Michigan Democrats have introduced bills in the state Legislature that would require more coverage for autism treatment. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio