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Indiana schedules final public sessions on autism therapy coverage

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Indiana Announces Final Public Hearings on Expanded Autism Therapy Coverage

The state of Indiana is poised to make a significant shift in how it funds therapy for children with autism. On Thursday, the Indiana Department of Insurance announced that the final round of public sessions for a proposed regulation—one that would broaden the spectrum of covered autism services under the state’s Medicaid and private insurance plans—has been scheduled. The hearings, which will be held at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, will give parents, clinicians, insurers, and advocacy groups a last chance to voice their support or concerns before the regulation is submitted to the Governor for approval.


What the Regulation Would Do

At its core, the proposed rule would require all health plans that are licensed in Indiana to cover a wider array of evidence‑based therapies for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While many plans already cover services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, the new rule would extend coverage to:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – a structured, data‑driven approach that has consistently been ranked as one of the most effective treatments for ASD.
  • Sensory Integration Therapy – interventions that help individuals with sensory processing challenges to better respond to stimuli in their environment.
  • Social Skills Groups – structured programs designed to teach children and adolescents the social cues and conversational norms that can be difficult for those on the spectrum.
  • Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counseling – additional services to help adults and teens with ASD navigate anxiety, depression, and other co‑occurring conditions.

The regulation would also mandate that insurance plans provide coverage for both in‑home and out‑of‑home therapy sessions, thereby removing a significant financial barrier that has historically prevented families from accessing comprehensive care.

The Cost Factor

One of the most heated aspects of the proposal is its estimated budget impact. The Indiana Department of Insurance estimates that the new coverage could cost the state up to $120 million annually, with insurers reporting that premiums could rise by 4‑6 % to absorb the added expense. “We understand the burden that families already face,” said Commissioner Mary K. Miller, “but we also recognize that early, intensive intervention can lead to long‑term savings in other areas of public spending, such as school and behavioral health services.”

Opponents of the bill worry that the increased cost could result in higher insurance premiums for everyone. Some private‑insurance carriers have already filed letters expressing concern, arguing that the added coverage would push up the price of their plans. In contrast, advocacy groups like the Indiana Parents for Autism (IPA) and the Autism Advocacy Network (AAN) are calling the regulation “a necessary investment in our children’s futures.”

Stakeholder Input

During the public hearings, a diverse range of voices will be heard. Parent advocates such as Sarah Johnson, mother of a 7‑year‑old with ASD, plan to testify that the additional coverage could dramatically reduce the monthly out‑of‑pocket costs for her family. Meanwhile, clinicians—particularly pediatric neurologists and behavioral therapists—will discuss the importance of early and continuous treatment. Representatives from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) will also speak, underscoring the evidence base for ABA and related therapies.

Insurance industry representatives will have an opportunity to outline their own cost‑management strategies. “We are already exploring tele‑therapy options and bundled service contracts to keep costs down,” said Thomas Lee, spokesperson for BlueCross BlueShield of Indiana.

How to Attend

The hearings will be conducted in a hybrid format. In‑person attendance will take place at the Statehouse Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Monday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 17. For those unable to travel, the department will broadcast the sessions live via the Statehouse’s official website. Additionally, a public comment period will open on April 20 and close on April 27, allowing individuals to submit written remarks electronically.

Anyone wishing to submit a comment or to request an interview with a hearing panelist should contact the Indiana Department of Insurance’s Public Relations office at (317) 232‑8000 or via email at publicrelations@in.gov. The agency also encourages families to submit documentation of their current out‑of‑pocket expenses to illustrate the financial impact of the proposed regulation.

Next Steps

If the regulation passes the public hearings and receives favorable feedback from the stakeholder panel, it will move to the Governor’s desk for final approval. The Governor has a 30‑day window to sign the regulation into law, after which it will take effect on January 1 of the following year—allowing the new coverage to be phased in during the next Medicaid enrollment cycle.

Indiana’s move is part of a broader national conversation about the cost and accessibility of autism services. Several other states, including Ohio and Kentucky, are currently grappling with similar proposals, each balancing the need for comprehensive care against the financial realities of public and private insurance systems.

As the final hearings approach, parents, clinicians, and insurers will be listening closely. The outcome of these sessions could set a precedent that shapes the trajectory of autism care for generations to come in Indiana—and possibly beyond.


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