Medicaid autism therapy spending rises to $10 billion by 2025

Medicaid spending on autism therapy has surged, rising from roughly $2 billion in 2021 to $10 billion in 2025, a five‑fold increase over four years, The New York Times reports. The jump reflects a growing demand for services and higher reimbursement rates for providers across the United States.

The data, drawn from state Medicaid budgets and federal reports, show that the expansion of coverage for early intervention, behavioral therapy, and related supports has driven the cost increase. State programs have also broadened eligibility criteria, allowing more children and families to access evidence‑based treatments that were previously unavailable or underfunded.

This steep rise in public expenditure underscores the expanding economic burden of autism care on the Medicaid system and highlights the need for continued policy attention to ensure sustainable funding for essential therapies.