Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed $252 billion New York State budget may claim to support working families, but for low-income families raising children with autism, the message is clear: you’re not the priority.
While the new budget increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for large hospital networks and unionized healthcare providers, it quietly slashes a critical lifeline for vulnerable families—ABA therapy. These proposed cuts include a $30 million rollback in Medicaid funding over the next two years, targeting ABA therapy services in New York just as families were beginning to access them more widely.
Why ABA Therapy Matters
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a proven, evidence-based therapy that helps children on the autism spectrum develop essential skills—from language and communication to daily routines and behavior regulation. It’s especially effective when started early, often during the toddler years. For families who rely on Medicaid, expanded coverage of ABA therapy in 2021—and full implementation in 2023—was a game-changer.
The state’s move to reverse this progress is more than a budget line adjustment. It’s a decision that directly threatens the future of thousands of autistic children in underserved communities.
A Small Cut With Devastating Impact
While the Medicaid ABA therapy program represents a tiny portion of the overall state budget, its removal would have a disproportionate impact on those who can least afford it. Families with private insurance will continue accessing services. Those without it? They’ll face longer waitlists, fewer available providers, or no services at all.
These cuts will widen the equity gap, leaving behind the very children the state promised to support just two years ago. And with autism rates continuing to rise, slashing support now means more costly interventions later—from special education to crisis mental health care.
Prioritizing Politics Over Kids
The budget plan reflects a concerning tradeoff: keep union allies happy with increased spending, while cutting services for families with no lobbying power. Autism therapy providers are not part of large unions. Their work—often one-on-one, deeply individualized, and emotionally demanding—is essential, but politically invisible.
Meanwhile, documented Medicaid fraud and administrative errors are costing the state millions. Cracking down on those inefficiencies would save more than enough to fund ABA therapy without forcing families to pay the price.
Investing in Long-Term Outcomes
If we want to reduce long-term dependency on state resources, we must invest in early intervention—period. That means protecting and expanding access to ABA therapy services in New York, not gutting them for short-term savings. At Strides ABA, we see every day how consistent therapy improves a child’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive.
Our team is committed to serving families through tailored, compassionate care that delivers measurable progress—regardless of background or income. But families need the state’s support to make this possible.
Get in touch today to learn how we’re helping families access critical ABA therapy services in New York despite the challenges. We offer personalized treatment plans backed by licensed professionals, and we stand with families navigating an uncertain healthcare system. Let’s protect the services that protect our children.