INDIANAPOLIS — Chanel McClure said it took about a year before she was able to get her 3-year-old son, King, enrolled in therapy.
"He was having behavioral issues, elopement, running away. He was very overwhelmed and overstimulated in public. He would not interact or play with any children or adults. He would shy away from them," McClure said.
Since then, McClure said King has made tremendous progress.
"He's been there six months now, but I've seen improvements in communication in the first two months," McClure said. "It's really been great to communicate with him."
McClure and thousands of other Hoosier families are worried about a proposed Medicaid reimbursement rate that could impact a type of therapy for their kids.
That therapy is called applied behavioral analysis, or ABA.
Families of children with autism say cuts to the program would be detrimental.
"ABA is very costly, and my family would not be able to pay out of pocket for such an essential service, and that's why it's so important that you set a rate that is sustainable to facilities," McClure said.
The State Budget Committee is expected to review rate cuts later this month, less than a month before a Medicaid oversight hearing takes place.
"Families and providers who reached out to us felt that they just hadn't had enough of opportunity to state their case," said Carl Ellis, CEO of Indiana Minority Health Coalition.
Families of children with autism receiving SBA therapy want lawmakers to reschedule the meeting so they can voice their concerns.
Ellis said the coalition sent a letter to Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-District 28, urging lawmakers to wait until December.
"There has been a fair amount of input, but the feedback we're getting is that there's not been enough opportunity to articulate the fears of what the impact would be on providers, as well as on families, if the standardized rate is set too low so that it discourages providers from expanding. We need more of that in minority communities," McClure said.
McClure said the reimbursement rate does not keep up with inflation.
According to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, the rate for the primary ABA service delivered by a registered behavioral technician has increased to $68.24 per hour.
That's up from $55.19 per hour — a 24% increase. McClure said families are asking for $76 per hour.
"At least that $76 can cover overhead costs and keep doors open," McClure said.
The rate for the primary ABA service delivered by a master's level board-certified behavior analyst has increased to $110.52, up from $103.77.
"It's very important for the future of the kids' lives. Our autistic children here in Indiana really deserve to have their needs and their wants met, and ABA therapy is a part of our lives," McClure said.
Families are now hoping lawmakers will grant them time to voice their concerns before the Medicaid Oversight Committee meets in November.