Michigan pans/pandas alliance
To restore childhoods.
Children with PANS and PANDAS are suffering from debilitating symptoms, but many families are unable to access necessary treatment due to insurance coverage limitations.
What are we trying to do?
To advocate for legislation in Michigan that mandates insurance companies to cover doctor-recommended treatment for children with PANS and PANDAS, ensuring access to care for those in need.
1 in 11,000 Children are diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS*
The average age of onset is 4 - 10.
*These are estimates of lifetime prevalence. Based on U.S. research of OCD incidence and CDC 2013 national surveillance report of emergency hospitalizations of youth to age 21 with mental health issues related to OCD, Tourettes, & Acute Mood Disorders. (MMWR 2013;62(Suppl; May 15, 2013): 1-35. Percentage of cases based on 2018 PANDAS Network survey 1,400 families and multiple published clinical studies.
Legislative Resources
Support Michigan PANS/PANDAS Alliance in our cause to restore childhoods.
Use the official Michigan State House of Representatives website to locate and your local State House Representative.
Use the official Michigan State Senate website to locate and contact your State Senators.
Use this outline to help draft written testimony in support of Michigan legislation mandating insurance coverage for PANS/PANDAS patients requiring treatment.
Find email and physical addresses for all of your State Senators and Representatives here.
Testimony at the House PANS/PANDAS Hearing before the House Subcommittee on Child Welfare, August 26, 2025
Testimony at December 3, 2025 Senate hearing before the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee
Michigan PANS/PANDAS Alliance Applauds introduction of Bipartisan House Bill 6148 to improve access to care for children with PANS and PANDAS
Form Letter to Get You Started on Writing Your Legislator
Media Coverage
An article in the Detroit News from June 20, 2024, discusses the need for insurance coverage of IVIG for those suffering from PANS/PANDAS.
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Read the rundown from MIRS covering the PANS/PANDAS hearing at the Capitol.
What is the cost of not treating PANS/PANDAS promptly & appropriately? Hear from Susan Swedo, MD.
Brain inflammation does not discriminate: Insurance policy should not either by Bruce Goodman
Michigan doctors, parents advocate for bill requiring coverage for pediatric autoimmune disorders
Disorder sparks sudden OCD in kids. Should Michigan force insurers to cover?
Other Resources
Join Michigan PANDAS/PANS/Autoimmune Enceph/Great Lakes Group - more than 1,000 parents, family members, and patients seek advice and share stories.
Join Michigan Effort for PANS/PANDAS Insurance Coverage - the official Facebook Group where we discuss and coordinate our efforts to seek legislation.
he Alex Manfull Fund supports awareness, education, and research to further understand the incidence, etiology, and best treatment of post-infectious neuroimmune disorders.
We know it can be challenging to locate scientifically sound, helpful and empathetic resources for those raising and treating children with PANDAS/PANS. Discover a wealth of resources vetted by our directors and scientific advisors.
We aspire to improve the lives of children and adults affected by PANS/PANDAS and other immune-related encephalopathies by closing the gap between symptom onset and access to treatment and support.
Education and resources on PANS, PANDAS, autoimmune encephalitis, neuroinflammatory, and immunopsychiatric illnesses
The Look. Foundation is dedicated to changing the course of mental health by ensuring that no child or young adult with PANS/PANDAS is missed.