Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the recommendations unveiled Tuesday are targeted at "fraud schemes that exploit children with autism and misuse funds from American taxpayers." File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Federal officials on Tuesday urged states to tighten oversight of autism therapy providers to curb costs and avoid fraud.
Costs for applied behavior analysis have increased 421% between 2021 and 2025, outpacing the 67% rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism, data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows.
The new initiative by the Trump administration aims to address growing concerns about the rise in costs to ensure treatment is based on medical need and not financial incentives.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the recommendations unveiled Tuesday are targeted at "fraud schemes that exploit children with autism and misuse funds from American taxpayers."
