SAGINAW -- It's been several months since legislation reforming autism insurance went into effect in Michigan, but the work is far from over, said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.

Calley was at the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum in Saginaw Thursday to talk to parents about the new changes.

Insurance companies are now required to cover autism diagnosis and treatment and cover up to $50,000 in therapy for kids between the ages of two and six.

Prior to the reform, it was difficult for the average family to pay out-of-pocket for the recommended 20 to 40 hours of therapy each week.

“Even if they had access to a professional, they could never afford it,” Calley said.  “So now this really puts it in the same classification as any other diagnosis."

Calley was a big advocate for the reform legislation, which he signed last April while Gov. Snyder was out of town visiting troops in Afghanistan.

Calley has a six-year-old autistic daughter.

The Great Lakes Bay Autism Center hosts a family support group every month at the Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum.