A local state representative joined autism advocates at the Indiana Statehouse to support a new statewide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy plan, which aims to ensure children with autism receive the necessary support without restrictive limitations.
State Rep. Robb Greene, R-Shelbyville, stood alongside members of the Autism Society of Indiana at the Statehouse in backing the latest autism therapy plan developed by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This new plan comes in response to significant concerns raised by families and providers regarding proposed Medicaid changes that would have drastically reduced therapy hours for children on the autism spectrum.
Greene emphasized that hundreds of Hoosier families reached out to him and fellow legislators, voicing their distress over a Medicaid State Plan Amendment that was initially introduced in December 2024 under the previous administration. Had it been enacted, the amendment would have imposed a strict cap of 30 hours per week of ABA therapy, with an overall limit of three years for Medicaid-funded services. Additionally, these restrictions would have been applied retroactively, affecting families who had already been receiving treatment, according to a news release from Greene’s office.
Greene, who has been a passionate advocate for autism-related issues due to personal experience, expressed his gratitude for the state’s decision to shift course.
“My son’s autism diagnosis was the reason I ran for the legislature, so this issue is missional to me. Gov. Braun leaned into this early on and listened to families, stakeholders, and providers,” Greene said in the release. “I applaud him, and [Indiana FSSA] Secretary [Mitch] Roob, for not only stopping the proposed cuts, but for replacing them with a compassionate, child-first model.”
His leadership in the matter played a pivotal role in shaping the revised approach.
On February 14, 2025, the FSSA announced its commitment to implementing a model initially proposed by Greene during this legislative session. The updated autism therapy plan adopts the American Psychiatric Association’s three-tiered ASD diagnostic framework from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This model prevents the retroactive enforcement of therapy limits, ensuring children already receiving care can maintain access as the program develops.
The decision to revise the state’s approach has been met with overwhelming support from the autism advocacy community.
“The Arc of Indiana applauds Rep. Greene’s tireless advocacy on this critical issue,” said Kim Dodson, CEO of The Arc of Indiana, in the news release. “We remain optimistic about future discussions aimed at ensuring people with disabilities have access to the supports they need to live full and meaningful lives.”
Autism treatment providers also expressed their appreciation for the collaborative effort.
“Indiana Providers of Effective Autism Treatment (InPEAT) commends leadership at the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for working together with Rep. Robb Greene and The Arc of Indiana to make substantive revisions to the proposed state plan amendment—ensuring access to this vital service,” said Jason McManus, board president of InPEAT, in the news release. “InPEAT looks forward to continuing to work with FSSA leadership and other stakeholders to make ABA therapy, which has positively impacted thousands of Hoosier children and families, accessible and sustainable.”
Greene recently led a meeting with providers and stakeholders alongside FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob to discuss the details of the revised amendment. He praised Gov. Braun for his swift action and commitment to families affected by autism.
“This goes beyond policy and politics for me, and I want the governor to know that I’m grateful to him as a dad,” Greene said. “This is a great first step, and I am excited to continue the work we are doing.”
Pending final approval, the new reimbursement plan is expected to take effect on April 1, 2025. The tiered approach outlined in the revised policy includes:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1: Maximum of 30 hours per week.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2: Maximum of 32 hours per week OR the number of hours prescribed by the recipient’s health care provider.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3: Maximum of 38 hours per week OR the number of hours prescribed by the recipient’s health care provider.
By aligning ABA therapy coverage with the DSM-5 framework, Indiana aims to create a more individualized and sustainable system for autism treatment. This autism therapy plan not only maintains access to critical services but also establishes a long-term structure to support children with autism at varying levels of need.
Advocates, families, and legislators will continue to work together to refine the plan, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive the care they require.
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