Disability advocates across Indiana are intensifying their efforts to urge the Braun Administration to reverse course on Medicaid cuts that would significantly limit access to a widely used autism therapy. These advocates warn that the proposed changes would have devastating consequences for families who rely on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for their children.
As News 8 has previously reported, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) introduced these cuts as part of an effort to curb improper Medicaid payments. However, these changes, set to take effect on April 1, would drastically limit coverage for ABA therapy to 30 hours per week and a total of three years. This reduction in services could leave many families without essential support, potentially leading to an increase in special needs students enrolling in public schools—many of which may not have the necessary resources to accommodate them.
Arc of Indiana, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been actively working with state lawmakers to press the FSSA to delay the implementation of these cuts. The organization believes that alternative solutions must be explored before any drastic measures are taken.
“We need to build a plan that stabilizes the program but doesn’t just react to the outliers,” CEO of Arc of Indiana Kim Dodson stated in an email to News 8. “It seems that some people are taking advantage of our system. Let’s fix that problem without negatively impacting those that truly need and rely on this service.”
Under the leadership of Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana has taken multiple steps to tighten Medicaid regulations, including a directive for healthcare providers to halt Medicaid-related advertising on television and radio. Critics argue that these actions further restrict access to essential healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelby Co.), a vocal advocate for autism services, has questioned FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob about the justification for these cuts, particularly since they were initially proposed under the Holcomb Administration. Greene has expressed his commitment to finding a solution that ensures children on the autism spectrum continue to receive the care they need.
“This is an issue that is deeply personal to me, and I’m focused on working closely with the Braun administration to find the best path forward for kids on the spectrum,” Greene said. “As we keep moving through (this) session, I look forward to working with different stakeholders, in good faith to ensure children have access to ABA.”
During a recent House Ways & Means Committee meeting, Greene pressed Roob on whether the proposed restrictions could expose Indiana to legal challenges under federal healthcare parity laws. Roob admitted that he was unsure of the potential legal ramifications.
Meanwhile, the Autism Society of Indiana has been rallying support against the cuts. The organization is hosting an advocacy event at the statehouse on Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to mobilize families and professionals in opposition to the changes. The group warns that these cuts will “devastate access to life-changing services,” leaving many children without the support they need to thrive.
In response to growing public outcry, two petitions have been launched, garnering thousands of signatures from concerned residents urging the Braun Administration to reverse course on Medicaid cuts and preserve ABA therapy for children with autism. Advocates remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to a reconsideration of the policy before it takes effect in April.
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