Four new members join Indiana ACT for Families Coalition

Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, Rise Autism, Harsha Autism Center & Journeys Autism Center add momentum to growing effort

The Indiana ACT for Families coalition added four new member organizations this month – Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, Rise Autism, Harsha Autism Center, and Journeys Autism Center – bolstering efforts to raise awareness of the need for more public health funding for autism services for Hoosier families who rely on Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Indiana ACT for Families continues to increase its influence in Indiana following a successful Advocacy Day on Feb. 15. New members will lend more voices to the coalition’s advocacy efforts directed toward policymakers, emphasizing the importance of public health and ABA therapy during this crucial rulemaking and legislative session.

Kayla Geatches, Billing and Onboarding Specialist from Rise Autism said:

“We have seen firsthand the benefits that Hoosier families receive from ABA therapy, and we are very concerned that a cut to reimbursement rates would impact providers ability to maintain the high standard of care that our families deserve. We decided to join the Indiana ACT for Families coalition to help spread awareness about the negative impact a Medicaid rate cut would have to access and quality of autism therapy services.”

Kim Strunk, Founder and Head of Clinical Strategy at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers said:

“Since our founding 17 years ago, we’ve fought to maintain Medicaid coverage for our patients in Indiana and beyond. We are proud to support Indiana ACT for Families so we can continue to protect access to services for all children, regardless of their background, zip code or circumstance.”

Holly Near, Chief Operating Officer, from Harsha Autism Center said:

“We strive to lead behavioral healthcare, like ABA therapy, by providing exemplary service and achieving a high level of patient and family satisfaction by fostering an environment of clinical excellence and continued learning. If Indiana cuts Medicaid coverage, it will reduce access to ABA therapy, and we’re concerned that waiting lists will expand and early intervention will decrease. By joining the coalition, we will be able to call attention to the need to protect vital autism therapy services that can help Hoosiers across the state get quality care and access to the services they need.”

Leanne Sargent-Tharp, Owner of Journeys Autism Center said:

“Our longstanding mission is to provide the highest quality, compassionate care to our clients, caregivers, and families. We’re concerned that this mission would be jeopardized if the state decides to cut the Medicaid reimbursement rate for ABA therapy. Investing in ABA therapy is an important public health initiative that will help lower costs for the state in the long run.”

About Indiana ACT for Families
Indiana ACT for Families is a broad coalition of Hoosier families, ABA therapists, ABA therapy providers, and stakeholders, including The Arc of Indiana and other advocacy groups, working to advocate in support of promoting access to high quality ABA therapy services in Indiana. For more information, please visit IndianaACT4Families.com.