Indiana Eyes Cost Controls on ABA Therapy: What Families Need to Know & How to Stay Ahead

Big changes could be coming for families who rely on ABA therapy in Indiana. With the rapid rise in Medicaid spending on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services — skyrocketing from $120 million in 2019 to a staggering $639 million in 2023 — state officials are feeling the financial pressure. Now, a newly formed working group of 21 experts, led by Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), is tasked with figuring out how to rein in costs without cutting off essential care.

Governor Mike Braun’s executive order from February 2025 set all of this in motion. And by the end of the year, the panel must recommend three specific cost-containment strategies — all while minimizing the impact on autistic children and their families. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

What Could Change — And Why It Matters

The working group’s review could lead to:

New limits on therapy hours per week
Caps on the duration of treatment
Tighter credentialing and billing requirements for providers
More documentation and oversight, potentially slowing access to care
Quality metrics and appeals processes added to the system

The goal is to make services more sustainable — but many families worry that these reforms could mean fewer hours of therapy or more red tape. As costs grow and federal audits have highlighted improper billing, the state is being pushed to act fast.

But fast fixes don’t always mean better outcomes — especially for children who depend on early and consistent ABA support.

Why This Matters to Indiana Families

If you’re a parent navigating autism services in Indiana, you’ve probably already faced waitlists, confusing insurance rules, and high out-of-pocket costs. Now, with a potential overhaul looming, staying informed and connected to a reliable provider is more important than ever.

While change is coming, one thing is clear: the demand for ABA therapy isn’t going anywhere. Families need providers who are not only clinically effective but also well-equipped to adapt to Indiana’s evolving Medicaid landscape.

Supporting Your Child Through the Shifts

Amid these statewide reviews, it’s crucial to partner with an ABA provider that stays ahead of the curve — both in clinical care and policy awareness.

Astra ABA is here to help families across Indiana access compassionate, data-driven support for autism. From in-home therapy to school collaboration, Astra ABA emphasizes individualized care that’s both clinically effective and aligned with your child’s real-world needs.

They also keep a close eye on state policy changes, so you don’t have to. As Indiana’s ABA guidelines evolve, Astra ABA works with families to maintain continuity of care and navigate new systems — without sacrificing quality.