February 10, 2025
ABA Matters!
Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has proposed significant cuts to Applied Behavior Analysis services. EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2025:
- Limiting up to 30 hours per week
- A lifetime cap of 3 years
As advocates for our clients and their families, we believe these cuts could limit opportunities for children to reach their full potential. ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps individuals communicate, learn, and develop independence. Limiting access to these services would be a step backward in supporting the autism community.
A WTHR report highlights how proposed Medicaid cuts may significantly reduce access to ABA therapy, a vital intervention supporting individuals in developing essential life skills. These changes could mean fewer therapy hours, capped lifetime services, and increased financial burdens on families already facing challenges in securing necessary care.
As long as I have air in my lungs, I will be a voice. Especially for those who can’t advocate for themselves. Working in this field I have seen first hand how individualized this treatment really is, what takes one child 2 years to learn a new skill may take another child 4 years to learn. Having a 3 year cap prohibits us providers to efficiently and effectively do our job, setting these clients and families up for failure.
Allyson Wehlage, MS, BCBA
BAI’s Chief Compliance Officer
At BAI, we will continue to support families, advocate for access to quality care, and navigate these challenges together.
Read the full article here: WTHR COVERAGE
What can you do to help?
We have until February 14, 2025, to respond to the OMPP notice. But we can do more!
State representatives have emphasized the importance of calling and emailing to share how ABA has changed lives and what losing these services would mean. They want to hear your stories!
Submit your comments to OMPP by February 14, 2025
Email: spacomment@fssa.in.gov
Subject line: COMMENT RE: ABA THERAPY COVERAGE
BUT DON’T STOP THERE! Contact your state representatives!
State Senator - District 26 Scott Alexander 1-800-382-9467 senator.alexander@iga.in.gov
State Representative - District 34 Sue Errington 1-800-382-9842 h34@iga.in.gov
Not in these districts? Find your legislators here: https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
Review our post for a Sample Letter to send to OMPP.