NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 18, 2026Hillsborough
Florida task force reviews Medicaid spending and delivery model for autism therapy
Florida has spent $6.57 billion on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Medicaid-enrolled children over the last two years, prompting a state task force to investigate service delivery and rising costs. The state recently shifted to a managed care model for ABA services, leading to reports of provider network disruptions and concerns regarding access to care for children.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The state's shift to a managed care model for ABA therapy affects how 55,000 children access medically necessary services and how providers are reimbursed, with a legislative task force currently reviewing the program's sustainability and effectiveness.
Key Facts
- Florida spent $6.57 billion on ABA therapy for Medicaid children between 2023 and 2025.
- Approximately 55,000 children aged 20 and younger are covered by the Medicaid ABA program.
- Florida transitioned to a managed care model for ABA services in 2025.
- The Applied Behavior Analysis Task Force must submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by Dec. 31.
- Pediatric Associates filed a legal challenge alleging Medicaid reduced payments to pediatricians by $300 million to fund ABA managed care increases.
- About 25% of children receiving Medicaid-covered ABA services (13,698 children) do not have an autism diagnosis.
- 99% of Medicaid-covered ABA services for children are provided through managed care plans.
- Florida's ABA spending is significantly higher than Indiana ($1.65 billion) and North Carolina ($1.53 billion) over the same period.
- A final hearing for the Pediatric Associates legal challenge is scheduled for Oct. 1-2.
- Florida's Medicaid program covers about 60,000 children for ABA services at a cost of $2.3 billion.
Who's Mentioned
personNicole Grabner“Parent of children with autism and disabled veteran”organizationPediatric Associates“Healthcare provider challenging Medicaid payment rates”personShevaun Harris“Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration”personMichael Moline“Editor of Florida Phoenix”personMehmet Oz“CMS Director”organizationCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services“Federal agency overseeing Medicaid”personShena Grantham“Deputy secretary for Medicaid policy and quality”organizationApplied Behavior Analysis Task Force“Legislatively mandated panel reviewing ABA services”