DHHS Statement Regarding State Auditor’s Audit of Applied Behavioral Analysis

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News Release
 
For Immediate Release: 7/30/2025
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MEDIA CONTACT
Collin Spilinek, (531) 739-7920,
collin.spilinek@nebraska.gov

 
Lincoln, NE – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received a let​ter from State Auditor Mike Foley regarding the need for additional time and testing surrounding an audit for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services. DHHS is committed to cooperating with the audit.

Over the last five years, the cost of providing ABA services in Nebraska has skyrocketed. In 2020, Medicaid paid $4.6 million for ABA services.​ Last year, that number exceeded $85 million, a nearly 2,000% increase.​ DHHS has taken several steps over the past year to rein in the unsustainable costs.

  • DHHS strengthened medical necessity definitions to align with other states and clarified the importance for parental engagement during sessions.
     
  • DHHS recently completed a thorough review of Nebraska Medicaid rates for ABA services and observed that Nebraska's rates are significantly higher than all 49 other states. In fact, ABA rates in Nebraska are more than double the national average.
     
  • As a result of the review, beginning August 1, DHHS will adjust ABA payment rates to align more closely with those of neighboring states. After these adjustments, rates remain competitive with surrounding states and continue to remain above the national average.

“DHHS is committed to getting the skyrocketing cost of ABA services under control to ensure services are sustainable and continue for Nebraska Medicaid recipients in need of care," said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “I appreciate Auditor Foley's efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars and has DHHS's full cooperation." ​

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