How Therapy Helps Kids Like Kingston
Kingston Emilo is a spirited 5-year-old boy with autism. Each morning, he follows a board of pictures to get ready. Socks first. Then he slides a square from “To Do” to “Done.” Shoes, coat, backpack—he ticks them off one by one. These small steps make transitions easier, which can be stressful for him. His mom, Jocelyn, says this routine has been a lifesaver in calming tantrums and easing anxiety. She also admits she would not have known what worked best for Kingston without the guidance of a trained behavior specialist.
Kingston goes to Bounce, an ABA center. It might look like a preschool, but it’s really a clinical space where he and 46 other children receive tailored therapy. This therapy helps children develop skills, manage challenging behaviors, and communicate better. Centers like Bounce rely heavily on Medicaid. Almost half of Vermont’s ABA providers depend on it to stay open.
Proposed Changes and Why Providers Are Concerned
Vermont’s Medicaid program recently announced billing changes set to take effect on January 1, 2026. One significant change would prevent paying two providers at the same time for different services. Families and ABA centers are worried.
The state says the change is meant to prevent duplicate payments. Right now, both a behavior technician and a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA can bill at the same time for time spent with a child. Officials argue that the BCBA’s billing already covers supervision, so paying both separately is unnecessary.
ABA providers disagree. The BCBA makes the therapy plan while the technician works hands-on with the child every day. Both roles are critical. At Bounce, a BCBA spends roughly seven hours per week with each child. Losing that payment could slash the center’s revenue by 20 percent. That is a big deal. It could threaten the center’s survival.
“This could affect the most vulnerable children,” says Elaina Hanson, Bounce’s clinical director. Without proper funding, centers may not be able to provide the care kids rely on. Families would have fewer options. Children could lose access to therapy that really works.
Families and Providers Take Action
Other ABA centers in Vermont share these concerns. Cortney and Chris Keene, who run a center in White River Junction, worry that the changes could limit new Medicaid patients. Still, they are committed to supporting current families even if it costs them.
Parents like Jocelyn have also taken action. They set up petitions and urged lawmakers to protect services. Many fear that removing expert oversight from daily therapy could harm children if programs are not implemented properly.
Medicaid says the changes are meant to comply with federal rules and should not reduce services. Providers worry it is like bulldozing the house to fix a leaky pipe. Sure, it may stop some improper billing, but it could also weaken the support system that children with autism rely on.
For children like Kingston, ABA therapy is often the one program that works when others fail. Parents, providers, and advocates hope Medicaid will listen before these changes take effect. They want to protect the care these kids need and deserve.
If your family is navigating autism, Nevada Autism Center is here to help. We provide guidance resources and compassionate support so every child has the tools to thrive.
