MPAAQ Applauds SD 3035 & HD 4876 Mandating Regular Reviews of ABA Medicaid Rates

Boston, MA, – Massachusetts Providers for ABA Access and Quality (MPAAQ) celebrates the  filing of two pivotal pieces of legislation—Senate Docket 3035 (SD 3035) and House  Docket 4876 (HD 4876)—championed by Senator Michael Moore and Representative Christine  Barber. These bills will require the Executive Office of Medicaid, in coordination with the Center  for Health Information & Analysis (CHIA), to conduct biannual reviews of Applied Behavior  Analysis (ABA) Medicaid reimbursement rates and evaluate key factors in their analysis.

These bills would mandate biannual reviews to include: 

  • Comparative analysis of ABA rates in states with similar cost-of-living indexes.
  • Assessment of rate impacts on ABA staff recruitment and retention over the previous five fiscal years. 
  • Evaluation of compliance costs related to upcoming accreditation or regulatory requirements, such as mandatory accreditation for ABA providers (center-based by  Jan 1, 2027, and in-home services by Jan 1, 2028). 
  • Identification of newly mandated services or populations not covered in the prior review, such as the expansion of ABA coverage to individuals with Down Syndrome in 2026. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is science-driven therapy that helps individuals build meaningful skills and achieve greater independence. Rooted in decades of research, ABA uses a variety of evidence-based techniques to support learning in areas such as communication, daily living, social engagement, and behavior regulation. ABA services are highly individualized,  making them particularly well-suited to addressing the needs of people with autism.

“ABA is a key tool for helping kids with autism develop important life skills, so making sure  providers who specialize in this type of therapy are paid fairly is critical to ensuring each child  has the opportunity to access high quality services from the best clinicians,” said Senator  Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m thrilled to be working with Representative Christine Barber  and MPAAQ to introduce legislation that will focus in on how to recruit and maintain ABA  providers in the Commonwealth through fair and transparent rate reviews. I look forward to  continuing this conversation as our bill moves through the legislative process.”

Sable, a parent of a child receiving ABA services shared how ABA has benefited their family:  “ABA therapy has truly helped my child come out of his shell. We’ve seen real progress in how he  communicates and handles daily challenges, and it’s made our whole family feel more  supported and hopeful. Every child deserves access to that kind of care and growth.”  “We are deeply grateful to Representative Barber and Senator Moore for their commitment to  the autism community and for being such strong champions of access to quality services,” said  Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Chair, MPAAQ. “These bills create transparency in rate-setting, ensuring  MassHealth rates remain sustainable, particularly in a high-cost of living state like  Massachusetts. We fully support regulation that protects ABA service quality, such as  accreditation, and we look forward to partnering with MassHealth and CHIA during the rate  review process.”

President and Founder of Bierman Autism Centers, Courtney Bierman BCBA, underscored the  importance of sufficient rates to maintain qualified staff and meet demand statewide:

“Sustainable ABA rates are the engine behind ethical practice: they allow us to cap caseloads,  invest in training, and put play at the heart of learning. MPAAQ gives front-line clinicians a  platform to champion those rates so that tomorrow’s learners — and the clinicians who serve  them — can keep raising the bar in autism care.” 

In support of SD 3035 and HD 4876, MPAAQ will collect data on the items identified in the bill and share its findings with CHIA, attend committee hearings, provide testimony, and coordinate feedback from families and providers to ensure active community engagement during the rate review process.  

The Massachusetts Providers for ABA Access and Quality (MPAAQ) is the dedicated trade association representing organizations that render ABA services across the Commonwealth. We champion evidence-based, equitable ABA services, working to ensure strong policy frameworks that enhance access and quality. Learn more at MPAAQ.org. 

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact: 
Rebecca Thompson, Chair, MPAAQ 
262-450-5755
mpaaqinfo@gmail.com