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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 18, 2026Hillsborough

Florida task force reviews Medicaid spending and service delivery for autism therapy

Florida has spent $6.57 billion on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children over the last two years, prompting a state task force to investigate the program's high costs and recent delivery model changes. The state recently shifted to a managed care model for ABA services, leading to reports of provider network disruptions and concerns over access to care for children.

MedicaidAutismHealthcareBudgetApplied Behavior Analysis
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)

Why It Matters

The state is re-evaluating how it funds and delivers ABA therapy for 55,000 children on Medicaid, a program that currently costs more than the state's spending on hospital care or prescription drugs for children.

Key Facts

  • Florida spent $6.57 billion on ABA therapy between 2023 and 2025, the highest in the nation.
  • Approximately 55,000 children aged 20 and younger receive ABA services through Florida Medicaid.
  • The state transitioned to a managed care model in 2025, requiring providers to contract with specific plans.
  • Pediatric Associates filed a legal challenge alleging the state reduced pediatrician payments 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.
  • The Applied Behavior Analysis Task Force must submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by Dec. 31.
  • Florida's ABA spending exceeds the state's Medicaid spending on hospital care, prescription drugs, or doctor visits for children.
  • A final hearing regarding the Pediatric Associates lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 1-2.
  • Florida's ABA service delivery skews toward older children compared to national trends, with 45% of services going to children aged 6-10.

Who's Mentioned

personNicole Grabner“Parent of children with autism and advocate”organizationPediatric Associates“Healthcare provider challenging Medicaid payment rates in court”personShevaun Harris“Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration”personMehmet Oz“CMS Director”personShena Grantham“Deputy secretary for Medicaid policy and quality”organizationApplied Behavior Analysis Task Force“Legislatively mandated panel reviewing ABA services”