A recent federal audit of Medicaid payments to autism therapy providers in Indiana has revealed some alarming findings. The audit, conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, found that all of the client records inspected had payments that were either improper or suspected to be. The focus of the audit was on payments made to providers for performing applied behavior analysis (ABA), a commonly used therapy for managing autism symptoms.
Indiana was the first state to undergo this audit, with plans for nine more states to be investigated for Medicaid payments for ABA therapy. The report highlighted that Indiana made at least $56.6 million in improper Medicaid payments and an additional $76.7 million in potentially improper payments for ABA therapy in 2019 and 2020. This amounts to at least $133 million in estimated improper or potentially improper payments.
However, the financial losses were not the only concern raised in the audit. It was also discovered that some of the therapy providers were not properly trained or certified to provide ABA therapy. This lack of training and certification raises serious questions about the quality of care being provided to individuals with autism in Indiana.
These findings underscore the importance of proper oversight and regulation in the healthcare industry, particularly when it comes to services for vulnerable populations such as individuals with autism. It is crucial that Medicaid payments are properly monitored and that providers meet the necessary qualifications to deliver effective and safe care.
The results of this audit serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and accountability in the healthcare system to ensure that individuals receiving services are receiving the highest quality of care possible. It is essential that corrective actions are taken to address the issues identified in the audit and prevent similar problems from occurring in the future.
