As you may know, NH DHHS recently announced sweeping changes to ABA services which were originally intended to be effective July 1. Due to quick and consistent feedback from providers and families, that timeline was immediately extended to September 1. For details, see our previous post HERE.

DHHS has opened a public comment period in the meantime. Because this can feel like a lot of "hurry up and wait;" we want to make sure you have all the information about what we are doing in the background.

HOW NHABA IS RESPONDING

• We continue to work closely with the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) and the ABA Coding Coalition. Each group has offered their expertise and resources to assist NHABA in advocating as strongly as we can against these proposed changes.

• With the help of CASP and the ABA Coding Coalition, we will be drafting public comments and will be providing education for NH providers who wish to do the same.

• We have scheduled meetings with DHHS ahead of September 1, to continue to advocate on behalf of patients and providers.

FOR PROVIDERS

• NHABA has partnered with CASP to gather information from NH providers. Help us to deliver a message to DHHS about what these changes will really mean for providers and patients by answering this short survey. If you do not make decisions about network participation, please forward the survey on to the folks in your practice who do.

• Carefully consider the impacts that this change will have on your practice. Providers must assess the financial impact of these proposed cuts, and make adjustments.

• Review the ABA Coding Coalition's FAQ document, particularly the sections related to "supervision" and "direction." Be sure that any comment you submit is an accurate representation of the services provided under 97155. The term "supervision" seems to be at the heart of this decision, although it is not a service provided under 97155. Our public comments will be part advocacy, and part education about the critical medically necessary services that we deliver under 97155. 

• Renew your NHABA membership today to stay informed and to be eligible to attend upcoming events related to this issue. Questions about your membership or our new site? Email admin@nhaba.net

FOR FAMILIES

• Your voices are being heard! Keep spreading the word about these changes, and encourage others to tell their stories.

• CASP has designed a Voter Voice Campaign to help families draft messages directly to the Ombudsman. Tell your own story, and make your voice heard HERE. Nothing makes a bigger difference than real stories from real families like yours.

STAY TUNED

• There will be a lot of discussions happening behind the scenes between now and August 15th, when the public comment period closes. Rest assured that the NHABA Board is conferring with experts and folks with a demonstrated history of successful advocacy. We will be bringing everything we learn to DHHS and to you.