Colorado Autism Therapy Rate Cuts Leave Families Worried

Families across Colorado are sounding the alarm as state officials consider cutting reimbursement rates for ABA therapy services. These reductions—part of a broader effort to balance the state budget—directly impact access to care for children with autism who rely on consistent, evidence-based support.

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has proposed reducing Medicaid rates for pediatric behavioral therapies, including ABA therapy. Though the state says the cuts are temporary, many families and providers are already feeling the pressure. Reduced rates mean fewer resources, and for some therapy centers, it has already led to closures or reduced services.

Real-Life Impact on Colorado Families

For many parents, these proposed cuts are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re a threat to their child’s well-being. The ripple effects are immediate. When providers can’t sustain operations due to inadequate reimbursement, families are forced to travel further, settle for fewer hours of therapy, or in some cases, go without services entirely.

We’ve seen it happen already. Multiple ABA centers in Colorado have had to shut down or leave the state altogether due to unsustainable Medicaid rates. That leaves families scrambling to find alternative care and disrupts the steady progress their children have worked so hard to achieve.

Lawmakers Caught Between Cuts and Care

Some legislators are pushing back, fighting to protect funding for critical autism services. The state has historically aimed to increase provider rates when possible—but with mounting budgetary demands in areas like education and public safety, those increases are harder to guarantee.

The state’s current proposal would roll back a 20% rate increase that was enacted as an emergency measure last year—one that helped stabilize the ABA provider landscape. Now, with that lifeline in jeopardy, families are left in limbo once again.

The uncertainty around these rate cuts puts thousands of children and families at risk of losing vital therapeutic support. It’s a high-stakes decision with long-term consequences for the autism community in Colorado.

Our Commitment to ABA Therapy Services in Colorado

At New Dawn ABA, we remain fully committed to supporting families across the state—regardless of shifting policies or economic pressures. We understand how crucial ABA therapy services in Colorado are to helping children on the spectrum grow, learn, and thrive.

Get in touch today to learn how we can support your child with consistent, high-quality care backed by a team that puts families first. Whether you're seeking clinic-based therapy, help navigating coverage, or guidance during these policy shifts, we’re here to walk that path with you—every step of the way.