Relates to studying the adequacy of applied behavioral analysis provider networks

• Democratic1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Roxanne J. Persaud says this is needed

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy that can greatly improve the quality of life of people with autism. Timely access to this therapy is critical, particularly when children are young, and their minds and bodies are rapidly growing. ABA was added to New York commercial insurance coverage requirements in 2011, and coverage was recently included under the NYS Medicaid program. Despite ABA being a covered benefit, children and families are having a hard time finding Medicaid enrolled providers in their area. Addi- tionally, ABA providers are having difficulty being enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care plan networks because they are being told the networks are closed. This legislation would require DOH to publish an annual report on its website regarding access to ABA for Medicaid-enrolled children and would allow the department to provide recommendations to improve the adequacy of the network of ABA providers and access to applied behavior analysis. This legislation would help ensure Medicaid Managed Care provider networks are appropriately established in counties throughout NYS so children with autism can access these services as soon as possible. RACIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: Autism is being diagnosed more frequently in Black and Hispanic children as opposed to White children, The new estimates suggest that about 3% of Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander children have an autism diagnosis (1). This can largely be attributed to improved screening and behavioral services that enable autism identification, as previously, children of color would not receive a diagnosis limiting their access to proper care. According to one of the largest U.S. studies to date on Black parents seeking an ASD diagnosis for their child, Bladk children don't receive a diagnosis until three years, on average, after their parents have voiced their initial concerns about atypical behaviors (2). GENDER JUSTICE IMPACT: TBD.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.