Service costs for autism care in Nebraska are on the rise, driven by a growing number of diagnoses and heightened awareness of the disorder. During a recent meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee, experts highlighted the challenges posed by recent rate modifications that will affect the level of services available to clients and families.

Joe Hardin from MMI emphasized that while they will continue to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, the nature of these services may change due to financial pressures. "To remain viable, we may need to address rate adjustments in several different ways," Hardin stated, noting potential strategies such as adjusting payer mix, reducing salaries, and increasing caseload sizes for staff.

The prevalence of autism diagnoses has surged, now affecting 1 in 36 children, according to Hardin. This increase is attributed to better recognition of symptoms and a rise in older individuals seeking evaluations. "Families are recognizing those signs earlier," he explained, which contributes to the growing demand for services.

Senator Frederick raised concerns about how these financial adjustments might impact Nebraskans on Medicaid. Hardin acknowledged that while they aim to maintain access for Medicaid clients, there could be reduced availability of services. "We’re looking at our financial models. What can we sustain?" he said, indicating that clinics with high percentages of Medicaid clients may face sustainability challenges.

The discussion also touched on the quality of care, with Hardin assuring that while supervision caseloads might increase, the direct intervention services would remain unchanged. However, he acknowledged the inherent risks of larger caseloads, stating, "It's always a concern, but we have to find the right balance."

As the committee continues to navigate these complex issues, the focus remains on ensuring that reimbursement rates align with the quality of care provided, while adapting to the evolving landscape of autism services in Nebraska. The anticipated outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for families relying on these essential services.