Arizona Families Rally Over AHCCCS Changes Disrupting Therapy Access for Children With Autism
Contract terminations between AHCCCS plans and two major autism therapy services have left many families struggling to find care.
Families of children with autism and advocates rallied at the Arizona State Capitol this week, saying changes within the state’s Medicaid system have left many children without access to a critical therapy, applied behavioral analysis.
The Origin of the Dispute
The dispute centers on contract terminations between AHCCCS plans and two large autism therapy services, which forced many families to find new providers often with long waitlists or limited availability. Some parents say the changes could leave hundreds of children without consistent therapy.
Several families have filed lawsuits arguing that the state failed to ensure adequate access to care after insurers ended contracts with certain therapy providers. They claim the AHCCCS system did not provide enough alternatives for children who depend on ABA therapy.
What Advocates Are Asking For
Parents who gathered at the Capitol urged state officials to intervene and restore therapy options, warning that interruptions in care could cause children to lose progress they have made through early intervention programs.
What AHCCCS is Saying
Officials with AHCCCS have said that ABA therapy remains a covered benefit and that other healthcare professionals are available within insurer networks. But families say long waitlists, travel distances, and limited openings have made it difficult to secure new therapy placements for their children.
Where the Discussion is Headed
The dispute continues to unfold in court as families seek an order that would maintain access to therapy while the legal challenges move forward.
