Association for Behavior Analysis International

Expanding access to high quality Applied Behavior Analysis services has required advocacy for systems change, including expanding the payers for ABA to include health insurers. This panel will describe the public policy changes that have transformed access to ABA treatment. The panel will identify the future targets for public policy advocacy to break down the barriers to universal access to quality behavior analytic services. The presenters have drafted and passed legislation in Massachusetts requiring private health insurers to pay for autism treatment, specifically including applied behavior analysis. They have also participated in the drafting of the regulations to license behavior analysts in Massachusetts. One of the panelists is the founder of an agency providing ABA services to children and adults, and has expertise in managing the reimbursement process for ABA services. Another founded an agency to assist families accessing insurance reimbursement for ABA services. The third panelist has worked to expand access to non-English speaking residents to enable them to access services.