Published: July 9,2025
Author: Behaven Kids
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has proposed a significant Medicaid rate reduction in reimbursement that will affect thousands of families across the state. This change specifically targets Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Set to take effect on August 1, 2025, this policy shift may limit access to essential autism services for families who rely on Medicaid. At Behaven Kids, we want to ensure families are informed, empowered, and ready to take action.
What Is the DHHS Medicaid Rate Reduction?
In a recent public notice and provider bulletin, DHHS announced it would reduce the reimbursement rates for Medicaid-covered ABA therapy in Nebraska by:
- 47% for direct ABA therapy services (the most commonly billed service code)
- 38% for supervision and support services provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
These Medicaid rate reductions are among the most severe in the country and would place Nebraska well below the national average for Medicaid reimbursement of autism services.
According to DHHS, the rate cut is intended to align Nebraska’s Medicaid program with other states and ensure long-term sustainability. However, many families and providers argue that the move could backfire—reducing service availability, increasing wait times, and even forcing some providers to leave the Medicaid program altogether.
Why This Matters to Nebraska Families of Children with Autism
ABA therapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for children with autism. It helps build essential life skills, improve communication, reduce challenging behaviors, and increase independence. The therapy is often intensive and long-term, requiring consistent support from trained professionals.
These proposed cuts to Medicaid rates come at a time when many families already face barriers to accessing autism care. A 47% reduction in direct therapy reimbursement could:
- Force providers to reduce staffing or limit appointments
- Make it financially unsustainable for smaller clinics to serve Medicaid clients
- Cause longer waitlists and reduce timely access to care
- Impact the quality of services due to high staff turnover or reduced oversight
This means fewer options and less stability for families who are already managing the day-to-day challenges of supporting a child with autism.
How Families Can Respond
It’s important to remember that families have a powerful voice in public policy. By sharing your story and expressing your concerns, you can help influence state decision-makers and protect essential services.
1. Take Action with the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP)
If you’re looking for a quick, effective way to make your voice heard, the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) has created a user-friendly advocacy tool that allows families, providers, and community members to send a message directly to Nebraska policymakers.
By filling out a brief form, you can automatically send a letter to key decision-makers—sharing your concerns and urging them to delay the proposed Medicaid rate reductions.
This tool only takes 2–3 minutes to complete and ensures your message reaches the right people.
Click here to take action through CASP
Why Use This Tool?
- It’s fast and simple
- Your voice will be directed to Nebraska leaders who can influence Medicaid policy
- Every message helps amplify the urgency and importance of protecting access to ABA therapy
Behaven Kids is proud to stand with CASP and other advocates across the country who are working to preserve quality autism care for families. We encourage all parents and caregivers to take advantage of this resource.
2. Submit a Public Comment to DHHS
Let Nebraska Medicaid know how this proposal would affect your child and your family. Comments can be submitted via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 402-471-9092
- Mail:
Nebraska Medicaid
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
3. Contact Your State Senator
Your Nebraska state senator can advocate for your family and help push for a more thoughtful approach. Find your senator here:
Find Your Senator
4. Reach Out to Governor Jim Pillen
The governor plays a critical role in Medicaid policy. Share your story with his office and ask for a delay in implementing the rate cuts until a fair and transparent cost study is conducted.
- Phone: 402-471-2244
- Contact Form: Contact the Governor
What Behaven Kids Is Advocating For
At Behaven Kids, we are committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for children with autism. We support the following actions:
- Delay the implementation of the proposed rate cuts past August 1, 2025
- Conduct a transparent cost study in collaboration with providers to determine the actual cost of delivering ABA therapy in Nebraska
- Engage families and providers in meaningful dialogue to ensure policy changes do not harm access or quality of care
Conclusion
The proposed Medicaid rate reductions in Nebraska could dramatically reshape the autism therapy landscape in the state. For families who depend on ABA therapy, these changes to medicaid rate reduction could result in fewer services, longer wait times, and greater uncertainty.
By taking a few minutes to speak up—whether by writing to DHHS, calling your senator, or reaching out to the governor—you can help preserve access to life-changing services for your child and thousands of others across Nebraska.
At Behaven Kids, we will continue to advocate for you, keep you informed, and work alongside other providers to fight for what your children need to thrive.
Stay informed. Stay involved. Together, we can protect autism care in Nebraska.
