In a recent meeting of the Nebraska Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, significant concerns were raised regarding the impact of recent rate reductions for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services on families and providers across the state. Mariel Fernandez, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), presented data indicating that these cuts have already disrupted services for 135 families, with 90% of those affected being Medicaid recipients.

Fernandez emphasized that while the state’s previous ABA rates were higher than those in other states, the current reductions—some as steep as 30%—could lead to a severe shortage of providers and limit access to essential services for children with autism. She noted that Nebraska currently has only 357 licensed behavior analysts, far below the estimated need of 1,624 to adequately serve the population. This discrepancy raises alarms about the potential for increased wait times and diminished care quality.

The committee also discussed broader implications stemming from federal audits of ABA services in states like Indiana and Wisconsin, where findings revealed issues such as improper documentation and unqualified providers delivering care. These audits have prompted concerns that similar problems could arise in Nebraska if oversight and compliance measures are not strengthened.

Fernandez called for a collaborative approach to address these challenges, urging the state to consider the actual costs of providing services and to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the needs of families and providers are met. The meeting underscored the urgent need for policy adjustments to prevent further disruptions in care and to maintain the integrity of services available to vulnerable populations.

As the committee continues to deliberate on these issues, the future of ABA services in Nebraska hangs in the balance, with advocates pushing for immediate action to safeguard access to care for those who rely on it.