Atlanta — On Thursday, State Sen. Brian Strickland (R‑McDonough) joined parents, providers, and advocates at the state Capitol to demand that the 30% reduction in Medicaid reimbursement for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy be rolled back. The cut, which took effect on Sept. 1, applies to children in Georgia’s foster‑care system and has sparked concern that essential autism services could be lost.
Why the cut matters to families
“As a parent of a child with autism, I know what ABA therapy means for a family and Georgia’s foster children,” Strickland told Fox News Digital. “These cuts are indefensible.” He added that, if elected attorney general, he will hold companies accountable for any further harm to vulnerable children.
Taylor Sanders, a spokesperson for the Autism Families Alliance, explained that the reimbursement reduction has already led to reduced therapist hours and threatens to force clinics to stop serving foster children. “Every moment without services risks regression in communication and safety skills,” she said. Sanders warned that up to 75% of clinics could close or stop treating foster children if the cuts remain.
Real‑world impact on a young child
Sanders recounted the story of a three‑year‑old who began speaking for the first time after months of one‑on‑one ABA therapy. The child’s mother, now in tears, fears losing the consistent care that sparked those early language gains. “We haven’t had enough therapy to ensure those skills stick across settings,” Sanders said, emphasizing that time is critical for these families.
Provider response
Amerigroup, the Medicaid administrator for Georgia’s foster‑care program, issued a statement saying it rebalanced ABA rates based on service complexity and clinical expertise. While rates for treatment planning and caregiver‑engagement services were increased, technician‑delivered services saw a decrease. The company asserted that rates for licensed clinicians were unchanged and that medically necessary autism services remain covered.
Critics, however, argue that the reduction disproportionately affects technicians who provide the bulk of one‑on‑one care. “Just because we put something down on paper doesn’t mean it will be clinically effective,” Sanders said. “Companies may have to close their doors because they can’t afford the lower rates.”
Link to the Trump administration’s Medicaid fraud efforts
The reimbursement cut is tied to a broader Medicaid fraud crackdown initiated by the Trump administration, which sought to tighten oversight and prevent abuse of federal funds. While the intent was to protect taxpayers, the unintended consequence appears to be reduced access to vital therapy for Georgia’s most vulnerable children. The administration’s focus on fraud prevention aligns with its commitment to fiscal responsibility and protecting families from wasteful spending.
Advocates are calling not only for the cuts to be reconsidered but also for families, clinicians, and other stakeholders to be involved in any policy review. “Reverse the cuts,” Kelsey Bennett of the Autism Families Alliance urged, adding that a collaborative approach would better serve children and families.
Next steps
The issue is expected to be debated in upcoming legislative sessions, with both supporters of the cut citing budgetary prudence and opponents highlighting the human cost. Fox News Digital has reached out to Amerigroup and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for further comment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
