Advocacy Action Alert: HB 1, Rider 21 – Fund the ABA/IBI Medicaid Benefit

Fund the ABA/IBI Medicaid Benefit in HB 1, Rider 21
Posted 4/8/21, Updated 4/16/21

4/16/21 -Updated: Fund ABA/IBI Medicaid Benefit in the State Budget. Please also contact your own Representative.

Issue:

Funding: Budget advocacy is needed to ensure that the ABA/IBI Medicaid benefit is funded and services can begin on September 1, 2021, (immediately when funds become available). You might remember advocating in 2019 for the passage of the Medicaid Autism Benefit, and we expected the program would be available in Spring of 2020. Unfortunately progress stalled, and we need to advocate for dedicated funding for the program in the budget. HB 1 includes Rider 21 which would provide $310,392,694 for the ABA/IBI Medicaid benefit for the Biennium.

Start date: It is very important to ensure HHSC has legislative directive to begin the program on September 1, 2021. Rider 21 has specific wording that must be adopted in the final budget. “It is the intent of the Legislature that program services are available and reimbursement rates are effective on September 1, 2021.”

Additional Request: Please continue to fund the Children’s Autism Program (CAP) that provides ABA to those who aren’t eligible for Medicaid, but don’t have private insurance coverage for ABA. Please also continue to fund the Texas Autism Research and Resource Center (TARRC).

Bill:

HB 1 -House Budget includes Rider 21. (State Budget). 

Specific Action Needed:

Ask: “It’s crucial to maintain the approximately $310 million allocated in HB 1 with Rider 21 to fund the Medicaid ABA/IBI Benefit in the State Budget. It is equally important that the program services are available and reimbursement rates are effective on September 1, 2021. Keep dedicated funding for CAP (Children’s Autism Program) and Texas Autism Research and Resource Center (TARCC) in Rider 48.” Update on 4/16/21: Added “in the State Budget.“

Who to Call/Email:

Members of Texas House Appropriations Committee- Subcommittee Article II (below). Contact Speaker of the House Dade Phelan: https://house.texas.gov/members/speaker/  

Added 4/16/21: Contact your own House Representative. Find your Texas Representative here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

Texas House Appropriations Committee- Subcommittee Article II  (Includes the following Representatives):

Let us know if you were successful or if AST Advocacy staff need to do any follow-ups at 512-479-4199 Ext. 10 or advocacy@texasautismsociety.org.