04/21/2025
Last week, Great Lakes Behavior Analysis was proud to stand alongside more than 40 advocates at the Wisconsin State Capitol for the very first ABA Advocacy Day, organized by the Wisconsin Autism Providers Association (WAPA).
As a WAPA member, we joined fellow providers, parents, and stakeholders from across the state to speak directly with legislators about the urgent need to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for autism services in Wisconsin.
Here’s what we shared:
📈 More than 2,885 children are currently waiting for autism services in Wisconsin
⏳ Families with Medicaid may wait a year or more to start treatment
💡 Current reimbursement rates fall well below the actual cost of delivering care
📉 Wisconsin’s rates are also significantly lower than those in neighboring states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Indiana
This makes it difficult for providers to recruit and retain qualified staff—even though the demand for services continues to grow. Many providers operate on tight margins, and most of what we receive goes right back into staff wages, training, insurance requirements, administrative support, and clinical oversight.
This isn’t just about funding. It’s about making responsible budget choices now that create lifelong cost savings (up to $2 million per child) and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We’re grateful to WAPA for organizing this impactful day and to the legislators who took time to listen. Together, we’re working toward a future where all Wisconsin families can access timely, high-quality autism care.
We're proud of our team for the incredible work you do every day. Advocacy like this helps make your work more sustainable and accessible to the families who need it most. 💙
