(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana will temporarily stop enrolling new Applied Behavior Analysis provider agencies beginning June 6 as state officials work to strengthen oversight of the Medicaid-funded therapy program.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced the six-month moratorium Tuesday after receiving approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The moratorium applies to new ABA provider agencies and ownership changes involving existing agencies. Individual ABA practitioners may continue enrolling, and applications submitted before June 6 will still be processed.
State officials said the action is authorized under federal regulations and is intended to address concerns about potential fraud, waste and abuse while maintaining access to services for families.
FSSA said it will monitor service availability during the moratorium and may grant exceptions to accredited providers in underserved areas if needed.
Indiana may seek to extend the moratorium in additional six-month increments.
Deputy Secretary Eric Miller said the state has seen a significant increase in ABA spending in recent years and described the moratorium as a targeted effort to improve oversight while preserving access to medically necessary services.
FSSA said practitioner-level enrollment will continue throughout the moratorium to avoid disrupting the workforce. The agency said it will continue monitoring access to care and evaluating whether future extensions are necessary