What's Changing?
The federal government recently passed legislation expected to reduce Medicaid funding significantly over the next decade. For families relying on Medicaid to cover ABA therapy, this could mean:
- Reduced coverage in some states
- Stricter eligibility requirements
- Longer waitlists as providers reduce Medicaid slots
- More documentation required before services begin
Individual states are also making their own changes. New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina — like many states — are reviewing their ABA therapy reimbursement policies.
Important: While these changes are significant, they do not eliminate your child's right to ABA therapy through Medicaid. But navigating the system is getting harder, and families who act now will be in the best position.
The Good News
Under federal EPSDT rules, state Medicaid programs are still required to cover medically necessary ABA therapy for children under 21. Your child's right to ABA therapy through Medicaid has not been eliminated — but navigating the system is getting harder.
EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) is a federal mandate that requires state Medicaid programs to provide all medically necessary services to children under 21 — including ABA therapy when prescribed for autism spectrum disorder.
Why Acting Now Matters
Waitlists for ABA therapy were already 6–18 months long before these changes. As providers adjust to new reimbursement rates, availability for Medicaid families may tighten further.
The families who act now — before waitlists grow even longer — will be in the best position.
The window is narrowing. Every month you wait could mean a longer delay before your child starts receiving services. If your child needs ABA therapy, the best time to start the process is right now.
Have Medicaid and need ABA therapy? Match Care ABA connects Medicaid families with providers who are currently accepting new patients — completely free.
Find Medicaid ABA ProvidersHow Match Care ABA Can Help
At Match Care ABA, we specialize in connecting Medicaid families with ABA therapy providers that are currently accepting new patients. We verify insurance, confirm availability, and handle the matching — completely free for families.
If your child needs ABA therapy and you have Medicaid, don't wait.
