HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has increased services for Medicaid-eligible youth with autism and other disabilities.
Medicaid-eligible youth with autism, Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), or those eligible for the agency’s Developmental Disabilities Program now have access to what is called Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Services, which can improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement.
This type of therapy is provided by licensed Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCABAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). There are around 60 BCBAs in Montana. It is estimated that hundreds of Montana youth, up to age 21, could potentially benefit from this change.
DDP Bureau Chief Lindsey Carter said prior to making this change, DPHHS received input from stakeholders highlighting the importance of increasing access to these services. DPHHS worked to identify potential barriers for providers and members, such as restrictions on where the services could be provided and requirements for family members to be present during treatment.
Carter said with this increased access to services and improved flexibility, the goal is that more licensed BCBAs will choose to provide services in the state.
Historically these services have only been available to youth with autism. However, this expansion includes additional populations.
Courtesy of DPHHS
