Americans for Autism Advocacy Statement on Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Report on Early Diagnosis Treatment

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Americans for Autism Advocacy issues the following statement relating to an October 14, 2024 article in Disability Scoop  that the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) are warning states to not make cuts to early diagnosis programs for neurodiverse children:

“The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services new guidance on Medicaid coverage for early and periodic screening for neurodivergent children have put state governors on notice in advance of the 2025 legislative sessions.  Governors in both political parties have been guilty in previous legislative sessions of cutting Medicaid programs for neurodiverse children and failing to give providers even a modest increase in their reimbursements for services provided. With COVD-19 era relief funding all but dried up, states should cut wasteful pork barrel spending before making nonsensical budget cuts to those who need such help.”