UnitedHealth's Cost-Cutting Strategy Limits Essential Autism Therapy for Children

source: https://www.propublica.org/article/unitedhealthcare-insurance-autism-denials-applied-behavior-analysis-medicaid

UnitedHealth, through its Optum division, is actively restricting access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the gold-standard therapy for children with autism, particularly those on Medicaid. Internal documents reveal a strategic effort to limit new providers, remove existing ones, and reduce therapy hours to cut costs. Despite rising autism diagnoses and a growing demand for ABA, the company is prioritizing profit over patient care.

For children like Benji, these cuts have devastating consequences, leading to behavioral regression and reduced independence. Experts criticize the approach, emphasizing that autism treatment is a long-term necessity, not a short-term fix. The denial of medically necessary therapy raises legal concerns, as Medicaid regulations mandate sufficient provider networks and federal law requires equal access to mental health care.

source: https://www.propublica.org/article/unitedhealthcare-insurance-autism-denials-applied-behavior-analysis-medicaid

While the article does not explicitly link autism treatment restrictions to urinary incontinence, it is important to note that children with autism often experience bladder control challenges. Limited access to ABA therapy could exacerbate these issues by restricting behavioral interventions that help manage toileting skills. As UnitedHealth prioritizes financial gain over patient well-being, families are left struggling to afford life-changing care that supports their children’s development and daily needs.

ProPublica. (2024, March 14). UnitedHealth is cutting costs. For kids with autism, that means less therapy. https://www.propublica.org/article/unitedhealthcare-insurance-autism-denials-applied-behavior-analysis-medicaid