Indiana’s New Medicaid Therapy Limits for Autism: What Families Need to Know and Why Support Still Matters

In a move that sparked an emotional outpouring from families across the state, Indiana’s Medicaid program has officially revised its controversial plan to limit access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. While the updates are a step in the right direction, many parents and professionals are still urging further reforms to ensure no child is left behind in their development journey.

Here’s what’s changed — and what you need to keep watching.

What the Updated ABA Therapy Limits Look Like

Originally, Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) proposed a hard cap of 30 hours per week and a lifetime limit of three years on ABA therapy — a move that would have dramatically impacted thousands of families relying on this essential support.

Following strong pushback from parents, providers, and advocacy groups, the FSSA revised the plan. The updated model introduces a tiered system based on the child’s diagnosis level:

• Level 1 ASD: Up to 30 hours per week
  
  
• Level 2 ASD: Up to 32 hours per week OR the number of hours recommended by a healthcare provider
  
  
• Level 3 ASD: Up to 38 hours per week OR provider-recommended hours
  
  

For individuals who don’t have an autism diagnosis but require ABA therapy due to another medically necessary condition, the Level 3 criteria apply.

Critically, the three-year lifetime cap on ABA therapy remains — but it will no longer apply retroactively. This gives families more breathing room to continue current services while planning next steps.

Why ABA Therapy Matters—Now More Than Ever

ABA therapy isn’t just about managing behaviors. It helps children with autism develop crucial life skills — from basic hygiene and communication to emotional regulation and academic readiness. For many families, ABA is the difference between daily chaos and meaningful progress.

As one Indiana mother put it, “Kids with autism grow up to be adults with autism.” Limiting support to a three-year window ignores the reality of ongoing development through childhood, adolescence, and beyond. ABA helps children navigate not just clinical challenges, but real-life transitions like school, puberty, family changes, and even grief.

The Remaining Concerns and Calls for Change

While many — including advocacy organizations like The Arc of Indiana — support the revisions, the remaining lifetime cap continues to raise concerns. Families argue it creates an artificial limit on progress, especially for children who may not start therapy until later in their development or who experience setbacks due to life circumstances.

State leaders, including Rep. Robb Greene, have praised the revisions for being more compassionate and child-centered. But advocates emphasize that the conversation isn't over. The next step: reviewing and possibly removing the lifetime cap to ensure therapy is aligned with actual individual needs — not an arbitrary deadline.

Support Is Still Available Through Quality ABA Providers

As policy changes unfold, families need trusted providers who can adapt and advocate alongside them. That's where organizations like Astra ABA come in.

Astra ABA is committed to offering individualized, evidence-based care through top-tier ABA programs in Indiana. Their team understands not just the clinical needs of children on the spectrum, but the emotional and logistical support families require every step of the way.

Whether your child is just beginning their ABA journey or you’re planning long-term support as coverage evolves, Astra ABA can help guide you toward the best outcomes.

Don’t Wait—Your Child’s Progress Matters

Get in touch today to learn how Astra ABA can help your family navigate Indiana’s changing Medicaid landscape while delivering consistent, high-quality therapy. Let’s work together to ensure your child continues to thrive — no matter what changes come next.

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