Feds Urge States To Adopt New Rules For Autism Therapy
Disability Scoop
The Trump administration has urged state Medicaid programs to implement stricter guidelines for autism therapy providers through a new CMS toolkit, citing concerns over skyrocketing costs and widespread fraud in applied behavior analysis services. This recommendation follows data showing a 421% increase in ABA expenditures from 2021 to 2025 alongside government audits that uncovered nearly $200 million in improper payments involving unqualified staff and non-therapeutic billing practices. While the guidance suggests limiting therapy hours to prevent abuse, experts note that determining the appropriate intensity of care remains a complex judgment call balancing individual patient needs against financial risks.
All articles from 10 August 2026. Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.