Today's two deep dives cover a CDC study finding that 1 in 5 U.S. children has a developmental disability diagnosis and Arizona's proposed Medicaid ABA rules, which the state says would save about $46.5 million a year. Below are the day's other stories, each linked to its source.
Today's deep dives
CDC: 1 in 5 kids have a developmental disability diagnosis. What the new federal survey analysis shows, where autism grew fastest, and what a larger group of diagnosed children means for services and staff.
Arizona ABA rules aim to save AHCCCS $46.5M a year. Six-month authorizations, extra justification above 25 hours a week, new supervision and screening rules, and why most of the savings fall on the developmental disabilities program.
More news today
Georgia lawmakers press Amerigroup to reverse its 30% ABA cut for foster children. At an Oct. 22 news conference, legislators, foster parents and providers urged the health plan to roll back the autism therapy rate cut that took effect Sept. 1 for foster and adopted children. Amerigroup is the only Medicaid plan allowed to cover Georgia's foster children. Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick has written to state health officials and Amerigroup, and Amerigroup told State Affairs its position hasn't changed. We first reported the cut on Oct. 5. Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta, State Affairs, WRDW
KFF compares how SNAP and Medicaid decide who can't work. A new KFF brief notes that SNAP must exempt people receiving disability benefits, including developmental disability services, but states verify that in different ways. Under CMS guidance, Medicaid work-rule checks must use available claims and encounter data before asking people or providers for proof. The Medicaid rules start Jan. 1, 2027, in 44 states. Source: KFF
Maine sets a second partner briefing on Medicaid work rules for Nov. 19. The virtual Maine DHHS session runs 3 to 4 p.m. and covers self-attestation in 2027, new application and renewal questions, and exemptions, including for health conditions that limit work. The rules apply only to MaineCare expansion adults ages 19 to 64, about one in five members, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Source: Maine DHHS
Uninsured rate for working-age adults rises to 11.2%. The Commonwealth Fund's 2026 survey found 11.2% of adults ages 19 to 64 were uninsured, up from 8.9% in 2024. Medicaid coverage fell from 15.5% in 2022 to 13%, and half of respondents said they had delayed care because of cost. Coverage losses can reach direct support professionals as well as the people they support. Sources: Commonwealth Fund, Stateline
Clearbrook opens a third CHOICE day program in Libertyville, Illinois. The new day program serves about 50 adults with I/DD and is already close to capacity, the provider says. Clearbrook cites about 18,000 people with I/DD on Illinois waiting lists. Sources: Daily Herald, Shaw Local
Fort Myers group home worker arrested on abuse charge. The Lee County Sheriff's Office arrested a 58-year-old staff member at a Fort Myers group home for people with intellectual disabilities on Oct. 12. He is charged with lewd or lascivious behavior toward an elderly or disabled person after a staff member's report in February led to a police investigation. Source: Gulf Coast News