Funds for Unions, Reductions for Autistic Children

Recently, my wife Susie caught me off guard with a question while going through a WhatsApp group with parents of children on the autism spectrum.

“Hey, Michael,” she asked, “did you hear about your Syracuse classmate proposing cuts to autism services?”

Concerned parents in the group discovered that Governor Kathy Hochul’s massive 2026 budget proposal — which is designed to increase state expenditures by $19 billion, or 8.3% — includes an alarming cut: it proposes reducing state funding for Medicaid payments for a behavioral therapy that is beneficial for our children.

For parents of children with autism, the thought of their child stimming or having a meltdown in public settings can be distressing.

Stimming — which encompasses repetitive actions like rocking, handflapping, vocalizing, or, in the case of our eldest son, spitting — is typical among those on the spectrum, often used to cope with stress or sensory overload.

A proven intervention known as Applied Behavior Analysis effectively reduces or eliminates these behaviors — and it now faces potential cuts from Albany.

ABA is a research-supported, individualized therapy that reinforces desirable behaviors to increase their occurrence while minimizing problematic behaviors like tantrums or self-harm. This method enhances daily living skills and supports academic growth.

Professionals such as licensed behavior analysts and certified behavior analyst assistants must adhere to the stringent training standards set by the State Education Department.

Fortunately, many families, including ours, have private insurance that covers ABA therapy.

However, for underprivileged families who depend on public health programs, partial Medicaid coverage for ABA only began in 2021, while full coverage didn’t become effective until 2023.

If Medicaid coverage for ABA is eliminated, families with low incomes will lack the financial means to access this critical service.

It constitutes a relatively minor part of the state’s enormous $35 billion Medicaid budget for the coming year and an even smaller fraction of Hochul’s proposed $252 billion state budget.

Nevertheless, “New York’s first mom governor” intends to cut $30 million over two years from a modest program that assists vulnerable, low-income autistic children and their families as a means of saving costs.

While it is true that Medicaid spending is on an unsustainable path (with a 36% increase during Hochul’s first three years in office), it is essential to note that the rise in costs is not attributable to autism services.

The primary beneficiaries of New York’s Medicaid spending are hospitals and the largest health-care union in the state, 1199 SEIU, both of which would launch substantial advertising campaigns if the governor even suggests cutting the state-run health plan.

Hochul’s financial plan proposes increasing reimbursement rates for hospitals, nursing homes, and other health providers — the majority of whom are represented by 1199 SEIU — while slashing rates for autism therapists, who are not unionized.

Many low-income mothers of autistic children are eager to discuss with Kathy and her administration why her Medicaid austerity measures must come at the expense of their children.

One mother, Michelle P., shared her thoughts with me on how she would address Hochul about the critical services that are now at risk.

“The ABA therapists have helped [my child] with stimming, elopement, meltdowns, learning to play appropriately, and shifting maladaptive behaviors,” Michelle communicated via text.

If Hochul genuinely wishes to achieve Medicaid savings, she should consider the recent audit from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, which unveiled that the Department of Health wrongfully paid out $16.2 million in claims over a six-month period.

That’s more than $32 million annually in fraudulent or erroneous expenditures — sufficient to finance Medicaid ABA services.

Bravo to Tommy, the autism community appreciates your efforts.

There remains a significant amount of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within the state’s Medicaid program.

Addressing these issues could recover hundreds of millions of dollars to fund vital autism services while still yielding significant savings.

So what’s your response, Governor? Are you prepared to retract a proposed cut that will only increase the challenges, worries, and discomfort for low-income families and their autistic children?

Take it from your former classmate: Don’t hurt children on the autism spectrum due to concerns about union repercussions.

Michael Benjamin is a former state assemblyman and a current member of the New York Post editorial board. @SquarePegDem