Thousands of children across New York rely on ABA therapy to build essential life skills, improve communication, and reach developmental milestones. But now, proposed Medicaid cuts are putting those services in jeopardy—and the consequences could be devastating.

For decades, there was a glaring gap in care: children with private insurance had access to ABA therapy, while lower-income families covered by Medicaid were left behind. In 2021, New York finally took a long-overdue step by expanding Medicaid coverage to include ABA therapy for children with autism. It was a victory for health equity, access, and progress.

Now, just two years later, that progress is under threat.

Why These Medicaid Cuts Will Hurt

The proposed funding reductions will not only limit access to care—they will likely dismantle the support systems that many families have only recently begun to rely on. Reimbursement rates are already too low to attract many qualified providers. With further cuts, even fewer ABA programs in New York will be able to serve Medicaid patients.

This creates a dangerous two-tiered system: families who can afford to pay out of pocket or have private insurance will still receive critical autism services, while those without those resources will be left behind. The children who most need help during their earliest, most formative years will miss out on life-changing therapy.

The Long-Term Cost of Short-Term Cuts

Reducing access to ABA therapy in early childhood leads to greater costs down the line—both financially and socially. Children who do not receive early intervention are more likely to require special education services, intensive behavioral support, and state-funded mental health care later in life. What New York saves today, it will spend exponentially more in the future.

Cutting ABA services now is like removing the guardrails on a bridge and then wondering why emergency rescues are needed so often downstream. Instead of reducing services, New York should be investing in early intervention, raising provider reimbursement rates, and expanding access to meet demand. That’s how we prevent crises—not react to them.

What’s at Stake for New York Families

This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a matter of justice and basic human decency. Families across the state are already fighting hard to find care. Limiting access to autism services in New York will deepen disparities, especially in historically underserved communities.

At Strides ABA, we’re committed to helping every child get the support they need to thrive. Our ABA programs in New York are built on the belief that early, individualized care can change the trajectory of a child’s life. We work with families from all backgrounds, and we understand how damaging these cuts could be.Get in touch today to learn how we can help you navigate care options and continue moving forward, even in uncertain times. We’re here to provide evidence-based ABA programs in New York that are compassionate, accessible, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. The fight for your child’s future starts now—let’s take that next step together.