ABA Therapy Access in Crisis: What New York Families Need to Know After Major Provider Closures

A Major ABA Provider Just Closed Its New York Medicaid Panels

On April 17, 2026, Autism Learning Partners — one of the largest ABA therapy providers in the United States — announced it had closed all of its New York Medicaid panels to new patients, effective immediately. The reason: two consecutive Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts have pushed New York's rates so low that delivering services is no longer financially sustainable.

For families in Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, and the Bronx who rely on Medicaid to access ABA therapy, this is a crisis. And it may be a preview of what is coming to other states.

This guide explains what happened, which families are affected, and what steps you can take right now to protect your child's care.

What Happened: Two Rate Cuts in Six Months

New York State reduced its Medicaid reimbursement rates for ABA therapy twice in a six-month window:

• October 1, 2025: A 12.5% cut to ABA reimbursement rates
• April 1, 2026: An additional 12.5% cut

The combined effect is staggering. New York — one of the most expensive states in the country — now reimburses ABA providers at rates lower than Texas, despite a significantly higher cost of living and higher wages for therapists.

Dr. Gina Chang, CEO of Autism Learning Partners, put it plainly: "These reductions come at the exact moment when New York families are finally gaining access to autism services through Medicaid."

For providers, the math no longer works. Accepting Medicaid patients at these rates means operating at a loss. Autism Learning Partners made the difficult decision to stop accepting new Medicaid patients entirely.

Which Families Are Affected

The closure affects families across several New York regions. According to Autism Learning Partners' announcement:

• Buffalo: Approximately 230 clients affected
• Albany: Approximately 140 clients affected
• Rochester: Approximately 75 clients affected
• Bronx / Westchester: Approximately 65 clients affected

In total, 523 children are impacted — including 118 who were already on a waiting list. Planned expansion sites in Albany and Yonkers have been halted, meaning no new capacity is coming to replace what was lost.

Dr. Rachael Schneider, Executive Director, noted: "Halting expansions means fewer providers, fewer available treatment hours, and longer delays for families seeking care."

Why This Matters Beyond New York

New York is not an isolated case. Across the country, Medicaid programs are facing pressure to control ABA therapy spending, which has grown dramatically over the past several years. North Carolina's Medicaid ABA payments are projected to reach $639 million in fiscal 2026 — a 423% increase from 2022. Nebraska has seen a 1,700% jump.

As states respond to this growth with rate cuts and coverage limits, providers face impossible choices: absorb the losses, reduce Medicaid capacity, or exit the market entirely. Families who rely on Medicaid often have the fewest alternatives.

Several states are already moving toward hour caps, age limits, and other coverage restrictions:

• New York: Legislation proposed to cap ABA at 680 hours annually
• Indiana: Governor's working group recommended lifetime hour caps
• Nevada: UnitedHealth made undisclosed benefit changes affecting autistic children

What New York Families Can Do Right Now

If your child currently receives ABA therapy through Medicaid in New York, or if you are looking for a provider, here are steps to take:

1. Contact your current provider immediately

Ask directly whether they are still accepting Medicaid for new patients and whether any rate changes affect your child's current services. Do not wait for them to reach out.

2. Explore all available providers in your area

Not every ABA provider in New York has closed their Medicaid panels. Use a directory like ABA Navigator to search for providers by location and filter by insurance accepted. Finding a provider who still accepts Medicaid may require calling several offices.

3. Ask about sliding scale or private pay options

Some providers offer reduced rates for families who do not qualify for or cannot access Medicaid-funded care. It is worth asking, even if you assume you cannot afford private pay.

4. Contact your state legislators

The rate cuts that caused this crisis were a policy decision. Advocates and families who contact their state representatives can help make the case for restoring or increasing ABA reimbursement rates. The New York State Legislature's health committee oversees Medicaid policy.

5. Work with a care coordinator or advocate

If your child receives services through the Early Intervention Program or the Committee on Special Education, your coordinator may be able to help you navigate alternative funding and find available providers.

What ABA Therapy Covers — and Why Access Matters

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most widely studied and insurance-covered therapy for autism spectrum disorder. Delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), ABA therapy helps children develop communication skills, social skills, daily living skills, and self-regulation.

Research consistently shows that early, intensive ABA therapy — ideally starting before age five — produces the best long-term outcomes. Every month a child spends on a waitlist or without access to services is time that cannot be recovered.

That is why disruptions like the one happening in New York right now are so serious. This is not an abstract policy debate. It is children losing access to services they need during a critical window of development.

Find ABA Therapy Providers in New York

ABA Navigator maintains a directory of ABA therapy providers across New York State, including providers who accept Medicaid. Use our search tool to find providers near you, see which insurances they accept, and read reviews from other families.

Search ABA Therapy Providers in New York →

If you are struggling to find an available provider, you are not alone. The BCBA shortage and Medicaid rate issues have created real barriers across the state. We hope the information in this guide helps you navigate them. If you have questions or cannot find a provider in our directory, contact us — we will do our best to help.