What is ABA therapy and why is it important for children with autism?

ABA therapy is a treatment used to help people with autism improve social interactions and communication skills. It is considered a vital therapy for many children's development.

Why are states cutting Medicaid funding for ABA therapy?

States are cutting funding due to increased spending on ABA therapy, state budget shortfalls, and concerns over improper payments identified in audits.

What are families doing to protest the ABA therapy cuts?

Families are filing lawsuits against states and advocating for the restoration of therapy hours and funding, fearing their children will lose access to crucial treatment.

Home / Health / State Medicaid Cuts Threaten ABA Therapy Access

State Medicaid Cuts Threaten ABA Therapy Access

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

States are cutting Medicaid funding for ABA therapy.
Families face reduced access to critical autism treatment.
Advocates and parents are suing states over these cuts.

State Medicaid Cuts Threaten ABA Therapy Access

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, crucial for children with autism, is facing significant access challenges due to state Medicaid budget cuts. In North Carolina, Aubreigh Osborne's weekly therapy hours were halved, a move mirrored in other states like Nebraska and Indiana, which saw substantial payment reductions to ABA providers. These cuts stem from ballooning state spending on the therapy and broader Medicaid budget shortfalls.

Concerns over improper payments, highlighted by federal audits in Indiana and Wisconsin, have also fueled state efforts to curb spending. These audits flagged excessive billing by some providers. In response, families are actively fighting back, with lawsuits filed in North Carolina and Colorado challenging provider payment cuts and authorization requirements, underscoring the therapy's importance.

While some states are reconsidering cuts following legal action and advocacy, the future of ABA therapy access remains uncertain. The situation highlights a growing tension between fiscal responsibility and the essential needs of vulnerable populations, leaving many families anxious about their children's continued progress and well-being.