State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) joined members of the Autism Society of Indiana at the Statehouse in support of the new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy plan from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
Greene said hundreds of Hoosier families have shared concerns with him and other legislators over a proposed Medicaid State Plan Amendment that was released in December 2024 under the previous administration. If adopted, the state of Indiana would have capped ABA therapy at 30-hours per week and a maximum of 3-years for children who rely on Medicaid to pay for the service. These caps would have been applied retroactively.
“My son’s autism diagnosis was the reason I ran for the legislature, so this issue is missional to me. Governor Braun leaned into this early on and listened to families, stakeholders, and providers," Greene said. "I applaud him, and Secretary Roob, for not only stopping the proposed cuts, but for replacing them with a compassionate, child-first model.”
FSSA announced on February 14, that the agency would be implementing an approach first proposed by Rep. Greene during this legislation session. Under Greene’s model, the state would adopt the three-tiered ASD diagnostic framework used by the American Psychiatric Association in their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Most importantly, this moves away from a retroactive application of the state plan amendment, ensuring children maintain access to the life-changing therapy as the model continues to develop.
“The Arc of Indiana applauds Representative Greene’s tireless advocacy on this critical issue,” said Kim Dodson, CEO of The Arc of Indiana. “We remain optimistic about future discussions aimed at ensuring people with disabilities have access to the supports they need to live full and meaningful lives.”
“Indiana Providers of Effective Autism Treatment (InPEAT) commends leadership at the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) for working together with Representative Robb Greene and The Arc of Indiana to make substantive revisions to the proposed state plan amendment—ensuring access to this vital service," said Jason McManus, board president of InPEAT. "InPEAT looks forward to continuing to work with FSSA leadership and other stakeholders to make ABA therapy, which has positively impacted thousands of Hoosier children and families, accessible and sustainable.”
Greene led a group of providers and stakeholders in a meeting with Secretary Roob on Friday to discuss the new state plan amendment and praised Governor Braun for acting quickly.
“This goes beyond policy and politics for me, and I want the Governor to know that I’m grateful to him as a dad," Greene said. "This is a great first step, and I am excited to continue the work we are doing.”
The new reimbursement plan, which will be effective April 1 pending approval, would contain the following tiered approach, amongst other changes:
- For individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 – Not more than 30 hours per week;
- For individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 – Not more than 32 hours per week OR the number of hours prescribed by the recipient’s health care provider; and
- For individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 3 – Not more than 38 hours per week OR the number of hours prescribed by the recipient’s health care provider.
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