Indiana Proposed Restrictive Changes to Medicaid Coverage for ABA Therapy

By Yolanda Kincaid

The Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) has proposed significant changes to Medicaid-funded Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a vital service for children with autism. The new restrictions, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, could severely impact access to therapy for thousands of Hoosiers, including hundreds of Hendricks County families, who rely on these services for their children’s development and long-term success.

Key changes include capping ABA therapy at 30 hours per week, despite research supporting higher intensities for many children to achieve optimal outcomes. ABA therapy is a data-driven approach that tailors support to each child's unique needs. Arbitrarily limiting hours undermines the core principles of ABA and could hinder long-term progress.

Another proposed restriction would limit a child’s eligibility for intensive ABA therapy to just three years. Advocates argue that transitioning out of therapy should be based on progress, not a predetermined timeframe. Each child’s developmental journey is different, and an abrupt cutoff could disrupt gains made in therapy, particularly for those transitioning back into school or other environments.

At Sycamore Services, we provide ABA Therapy in Hendricks County, and we believe in individualized support and are actively working with legislators to advocate for policies that reflect the needs of children and families. We encourage the community to take action by submitting public comments during the open comment period, which ends February 14, 2025.

How to Make Your Voice Heard

Personal stories are powerful in demonstrating the impact of ABA therapy. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to submit comments:

• By Email: Send to spacomment@fssa.in.gov with the subject line COMMENT RE: ABA THERAPY COVERAGE

• By Mail: Address letters to:

  
  

  FSSA Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning

  Attn: Madison May-Gruthusen

  402 West Washington Street, Room W382

  PO Box 7083, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083

  (Include COMMENT RE: ABA THERAPY COVERAGE at the top of the letter.)

You can also contact your state legislator to express how these changes would impact your family. Find your legislator’s contact information at iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators.

Indiana families rely on ABA therapy to provide children with autism the tools they need to thrive. These proposed restrictions risk limiting access to essential services, and advocacy is crucial to ensuring that children receive the care they need for a brighter future.

Yolanda Kincaid is CEO of Sycamore Services.