Colorado Autism Families Fear Impact of Rate Cut Proposal

Colorado families are once again facing uncertainty as the state recommends rolling back emergency rate increases that helped stabilize access to critical autism therapy. The proposed reductions to Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy have left parents and advocates deeply concerned—and for good reason.

Just last year, families like Karmen Peak’s were left scrambling when several providers across Colorado closed or exited the state, citing unsustainable reimbursement rates. ABA therapy is a cornerstone service for children diagnosed with autism, often playing a pivotal role in improving communication, reducing harmful behaviors, and developing life skills. Without access, families are left with little to no alternatives.

A Short-Lived Lifeline at Risk Again

In response to the outcry in 2023, lawmakers on Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee (JBC) approved a temporary 20% rate increase to keep ABA therapy providers afloat. It was a rare moment of progress for a system under strain. However, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), alongside the Governor’s office, has now recommended reducing those same rates as part of an effort to balance the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.

The department claims that even with the proposed reductions, rates would still remain higher than they were in fiscal year 2023–24. But for many families and providers, any rollback is a step in the wrong direction.

The Real Cost: Lost Services, Disrupted Lives

This isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a human one. When ABA therapy centers close, children lose access to individualized, evidence-based care. Parents are left without support. And trained ABA therapists in Colorado are forced to leave the field or relocate to other states where their work is better supported.

What’s often missed in these policy discussions is the long-term impact. Early and consistent access to ABA therapy in Colorado helps reduce the need for more costly interventions later in life. Cutting rates now could drive up future costs—financially and socially.

Why Families Are Right to Worry

For families like the Peaks, who saw real progress in their children thanks to dedicated therapists and structured care plans, the possibility of losing those services again is devastating. The state’s proposal, while framed as a necessary budget adjustment, sends a message that autism services are negotiable—when they shouldn’t be.

These therapies aren’t luxuries. They are lifelines.

Committed to Quality ABA Therapy in Colorado

We understand what’s at stake because we work with families every day who rely on ABA therapy to help their children grow, learn, and thrive. Our team of experienced ABA therapists in Colorado remains committed to delivering individualized care—regardless of political shifts or funding debates.

We are here to support children and families with the stability and professionalism they deserve. We advocate for policies that protect access to essential services and continue to show up for the communities who count on us.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help your child reach their full potential. We’re ready to listen, plan, and deliver care that makes a lasting difference. Let’s move forward—together.