Nebraska lawmakers hear how state cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates affect kids with autism

Lobby of the Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center. (Courtesy of MMI)

LINCOLN — At least 135 Nebraska youths challenged by autism have suffered interrupted services as a result of cuts the state made in August to Medicaid reimbursement rates, according to preliminary findings of a survey by national advocates.

Mariel Fernandez of the Council of Autism Service Providers offered an early peek at the survey during an interim legislative hearing Friday to hear about possible fallout and benefits of the reductions.

Speaking to the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, Fernandez was clear that she does not oppose an adjustment. Indeed, she said she was shocked to learn how high some of Nebraska’s treatment reimbursements had gotten relative to surrounding