Debate on Autism Therapy Cuts for Georgia Foster Children

A debate over reductions to autism therapy for foster children in Georgia is intensifying at the state’s Capitol. A Republican lawmaker, alongside families, is urging the reversal of a 30% reimbursement cut. Advocates caution that this might disrupt the progress children have achieved.

State Senator Brian Strickland from McDonough joined parents and service providers recently to demand action on the reimbursement rate cuts for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. These cuts took effect on September 1 under Amerigroup, which oversees Medicaid coverage for Georgia’s foster care children.

Strickland, whose child is autistic, highlighted the importance of ABA therapy, stating, “As a parent of a child with autism, I know what ABA therapy means for a family and Georgia’s foster children, which is why I stood at the Capitol to make clear that these cuts are indefensible.” He is also campaigning for state attorney general and vowed to hold companies accountable if elected.

Autism providers have expressed concerns about the unintended consequences of the cuts, potentially forcing them to halt services for foster children and affecting progress.

Taylor Sanders from the Autism Families Alliance spoke with Fox News Digital, emphasizing the urgency. “Every moment where their child is not receiving services, we’re seeing a regression in possible communication and safety skills,” Sanders said.

There is concern that up to 75% of clinics might close or cease serving foster children. Sanders shared an instance where a child had begun communicating because of ABA therapy, but their family is apprehensive about losing access due to the cuts. The mother was distressed, fearing the loss of this crucial support for her child.

Kelsey Bennett of the Autism Families Alliance stressed, “Time matters a lot for these children and their families, and each day without critical care risks reversing the progress made.” She pressed for reversing the cuts.

Amerigroup has defended the decision, stating their adjustments reflect service complexity and clinical expertise. Rates were increased for treatment planning and parental involvement, but decreased for some technician-provided services. However, rates for licensed clinicians remain unchanged, and necessary autism services continue to be covered.

Sanders pointed out that the rate reductions primarily affected technicians, vital for delivering one-on-one care. She raised concerns that facilities might shutter due to financial constraints, hindering access to care. “Progress lost is extremely hard to recover,” Sanders argued. “Engage with clinicians and families before implementing major cuts.”