August 2026 Funders Forum

Abstract: The landscape of insurance-funded applied behavior analysis (ABA) services continues to evolve as funders, regulators, and providers respond to changing policies, utilization trends, and healthcare priorities. This interactive Funders Forum brings together representatives from funding organizations and leaders in insurance-funded ABA practice to discuss current issues affecting authorization, documentation, medical necessity determinations, and service delivery. Through a moderated question-and-answer format, panelists will explore emerging trends, including state Medicaid policies related to service intensity, documentation expectations for higher-hour requests, auditing and compliance initiatives, interpretation of proposed coding changes, non-billable activities, adult service delivery, and age-related limitations. Rather than focusing on individual payer policies, the discussion will highlight common challenges, areas of alignment, and practical strategies that can improve communication between providers and funders while supporting medically necessary care. Attendees will gain insight into how treatment plans are evaluated, what documentation supports clinical decision-making, and how behavior analysts can proactively prepare for an evolving reimbursement environment. The session is designed to foster dialogue, improve transparency, and equip practitioners with practical information to navigate insurance-funded practice while maintaining high-quality, ethically sound services.