Nebraska Launches Website to Combat Misinformation Surrounding Applied Behavioral Analysis Services
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched a new website dedicated to providing accurate information about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services. This initiative comes in response to a surge of misleading advertisements and false information circulating among Medicaid recipients and providers, creating confusion and concern within the state. The website, abafacts.ne.gov, aims to be a central resource for Nebraskans seeking clarity on the state’s ABA program, its funding, and its commitment to continuing these vital services for children and families.
The impetus for this informational campaign stems from a recent controversy surrounding the cost of ABA services in Nebraska. Until recently, Nebraska boasted the highest payment rates for ABA in the nation, significantly exceeding those of other Medicaid programs. This attracted numerous out-of-state corporations seeking to capitalize on the generous reimbursement rates. The resulting exponential growth in expenditures for ABA services placed an unsustainable burden on the state’s Medicaid budget. In just four years, from 2020 to 2024, Nebraska’s Medicaid spending on ABA services skyrocketed from $4.6 million to a staggering $85.6 million – an almost 2,000% increase. DHHS emphasizes that such unrestrained growth poses significant long-term risks to the program’s viability.
DHHS officials have stressed that ABA services are not being cut, and Medicaid recipients can expect continued coverage for these crucial therapies. However, misinformation campaigns, spearheaded by undisclosed entities, have attempted to paint a different picture, suggesting that access to ABA services is under threat. These misleading narratives have created unnecessary anxiety among families relying on ABA for their children’s development and well-being. The new website directly addresses these concerns, providing factual information and dispelling the rumors propagated by these “bad actors,” as described by DHHS CEO Steve Corsi.
The abafacts.ne.gov website serves as a vital communication tool, providing transparency and countering the deceptive information being disseminated. It outlines DHHS’s efforts to manage the costs of ABA services while preserving access for those who need them. The website underscores the department’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the ABA program. DHHS recognizes the critical role ABA plays in the lives of many Nebraskan families and aims to reassure them that access to these essential services will remain intact.
DHHS CEO Steve Corsi expressed his concern over the deliberate spread of misinformation, but also highlighted the department’s proactive approach to addressing the issue. “The new website provides the facts about DHHS efforts to sustain costs and continue this important service for Nebraska children and families,” stated Corsi. He further added, “While it is troubling and concerning that some bad actors will resort to misleading the public, DHHS will respond with the facts.” This commitment to open communication and transparency reflects DHHS’s determination to maintain public trust and ensure the accurate portrayal of its efforts to manage the ABA program effectively.
The website is designed as a dynamic resource, with plans for continuous updates to counter any emerging misinformation related to ABA services. This proactive approach will enable DHHS to stay ahead of misleading narratives and maintain a reliable source of truth for Nebraskans seeking accurate information. The department’s commitment to regularly updating the website underscores its dedication to transparency and its determination to ensure that families and providers have access to the most current and factual information regarding the state’s ABA program. DHHS encourages all stakeholders to utilize the website as a trusted resource and remain informed about the latest developments related to ABA services in Nebraska.