02/09/2026
We’re asking everyone for just 5 minutes - to read this post and 2 to contact your legislators using a streamlined process we’ve set up for you in the link at the bottom of this email.
In his introduced budget (Item 291.WW.2), outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposed provisions that will significantly restrict access to Medicaid-funded Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, including a weekly cap on ABA hours and restrictions that limit access exclusively to children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, regardless of clinical need. These changes represent a major shift from current policy and raise serious concerns about delayed or denied access to time-critical, evidence-based behavioral health services for children.
A 20-Hour Limit Does Not Reflect Real Need:
A default 20-hour weekly cap on ABA services is not supported by clinical evidence or standards of care. Many individuals – especially very young children – need more than 20 hours per week for therapy to be effective, particularly early in treatment. While the proposal allows for exceptions, setting a default limit creates a strong barrier that will make it harder to approve appropriate care and will lead to more denials, delays, and repeated requests for the same services. Some managed care plans are already telling providers they will not approve more than 20 hours unless extensive additional paperwork is submitted. Codifying this approach in the state budget would advance policies that focus more on limits and paperwork than on what services work for each child.
Requiring an Autism Diagnosis Will Delay or Block Care:
VABA is particularly concerned that the proposed language would restrict ABA services solely to individuals with a confirmed autism diagnosis. Currently, individuals can receive ABA services if they show a clear need – even while waiting for a comprehensive evaluation. In many parts of Virginia, families wait a year or more for an autism diagnostic evaluation. Under this proposal, many individuals would receive no services at all during that wait. This is particularly harmful for young children, where early support can make a lasting difference. Families in rural and underserved areas would be hit the hardest, as they already face fewer providers and longer delays. Additionally, while applied behavior analysis is the predominant therapy for autism spectrum disorder, limiting it to only an autism diagnosis leaves out many other diagnoses and conditions that fall within the scope of practice for a licensed behavior analyst in Virginia, including substance abuse and other developmental disabilities.
Fewer Providers, Less Access:
The added limits and paperwork will also make it harder to keep providers like you in the Medicaid system. Many clinicians may stop accepting Medicaid patients altogether or avoid working with individuals who need more intensive support. This would further reduce access to care across the Commonwealth.
Impact on Families and Caregivers:
For families, this policy would translate into delayed treatment, disrupted care plans, and increased stress during already challenging periods. Parents of young children would face months, if not years, without access to services while waiting for diagnostic evaluations, despite clear clinical need. Gaps in therapy could ultimately lead to worsening behaviors, loss of skills, and increased strain at home and school, all while generating greater long-term costs to the Commonwealth. These impacts fall disproportionately on low-income families with the fewest alternative options.
We need your help expressing opposition to these proposed changes and urging support for Item 291 (Cohen) and Item 291 (Favola). These budget amendments would reject proposed limits on ABA services and new eligibility restrictions tied solely to an autism diagnosis while directing the state to collect better data.
Take Action:
We are asking our members to please voice your concerns and support these budget amendments today by completing the form below. Once filled out, it auto generates an email to be sent directly to your elected Delegate and Senator based on your provided address – ensuring your voice is heard by the lawmakers who represent you.
https://vvqmanvab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001SkuOwtuyeSAhwPZmdXNxZLt4N7wemZ8Om7aTEHqhDmgMm6hFBe0Y8oUs47EG3jLr65PvbisFg8nTK4ML-e4j-Vvo0U6y3uHKX1vBFXK1_vDs6TkOscxUs21T1St74KCeHllnSqF_qGTKi-WdM_z1hlEuHRxAw-bXBEs3Z1BZ7iJaA7L2VclzmMZ6lsKIrzR6GZPt3srMYkQcQgwgUqIgDbGYVI0Q_2tbqftqxYKi1-jsfnYxo3mKHXa-Qmgi0FI88A-_4XgK6IqdsxgdW63T3Q==&c=DLtvEtO-tkiuq8BYGcdR9zbZRPt6Hle3bUs2NMKaPyYmNPqxCaZXew==&ch=fU5z_SmHAbx7JrHBAMf1HdxJ5aOoJHwZ8o1uw43nB85b2iXHwdLtAA==
