If you run an ABA business—or you’re thinking about how to start an ABA practice in today’s market—you probably flinched when you saw the news: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz have teamed up with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and major insurance companies to take on one of the most notorious pain points in healthcare: prior authorizations . It’s a story that should matter to anyone invested in ABA billing, staff burnout, and client care.
This week, headlines from NPR, NBC News, HHS, and industry outlets blared the same message: prior authorizations—those mountains of paperwork,...
Check Out Our Other Articles
This Week in ABA News - Why Ethics Matter: ABA Insurance Mandates, Broken Trust, and the Real Work Ahead
When Trust Is Broken: What Every ABA Provider Must Learn from Recent Abuse Allegations
The Real Story on ABA Insurance Mandates: When Low Rates Undercut the Promise
This Week in ABA News: Prior Authorizations Under Fire and a Wake-Up Call from Kansas Schools
When Schools Ban ABA Therapists: Lessons From Kansas, and a Wake-Up Call for ABA Providers
Real Talk for RBTs: Advocacy, Burnout & Building a Better Workplace
The Ethical CFO: Why Financial Leadership Is Every ABA Owner’s Responsibility (Even If You’re Small)
Play Is Productive: The Hidden Power of Play in ABA Business Ownership
This Week in ABA: Policy Shifts, Data Science, and Cybersecurity— Join us LIVE at 8 AM Eastern today!
Ransomware in ABA: What It Looks Like, How to Prevent It, and Smarter Email Security
Florida’s Sweeping Autism Law: What it Means for Families, ABA Providers, and the Future of Autism Services
The Autism Data Science Initiative: Why It Matters for ABA Providers and the Future of Autism Care
ABA Weekly: Lifelines, Benchmarks & Compliance—Join us Live at 8 AM Eastern
HIPAA in 2025: Why Every ABA Company Needs to Rethink Compliance—Now
The Real Benchmark: What HealthBench, AI, and ABA’s Future Mean for Kids
When Systems Fail Families, ABA Can Still Be a Lifeline
How to Improve ABA Supervision with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field’
ABA Business Weekly: HIPAA, M&A, and Turning the Tide in Special Ed - Live at 8AM Eastern today!
HIPAA Breaches Aren’t Just a “Big Company” Problem: What ABA Businesses Need to Learn from the WellNow Settlement
Turning the Tide: How ABA Leaders Can Rebuild Trust in Special Education
Navigating the 2025 ABA M&A Surge: What Ethical Practice Owners Need to Know
Ego Driven Hiring: A Wake-Up Call for ABA Business Owners
Waiving Co-Pays and the Power of Partnership - Live New Today at 8 AM Eastern
NASQN & 3 Pie Squared Partner to Empower Ethical ABA Practice Growth
When Discounts Cross the Line: What ABA Practice Owners Need to Know About Waiving Deductibles
Clarity, Capacity, and Efficiency with Silna
Chaos, Contracts & Chatbots: What’s Really Steering ABA? - Live news today - 8 AM Eastern in Facebook
The Contract Temptation: Why Classifying BCBAs as 1099s May Be a Risk for ABA Companies
When Systems Fail Quietly: Optum, Medicare Fraud, and the ABA Fallout We Can’t Ignore
Whose Hand Is on the Wheel? What a Reddit AI Experiment Means for the Future of Clinical Judgment in ABA
Finding Joy in the Journey
Two Truths and a Wake-Up Call: Medicaid Cuts, Treatment Intensity, and the Future of ABA - Live discussion today at 8 AM Eastern
The Real Impact of Medicaid Cuts on ABA Therapy: What Providers and Families Need to Know
Quality Is a Choice: What Treatment Intensity Says About Who We Are in ABA
3 Things We Thought Would Be Easier!
Celebrating Mothers (and Everyone Else Who Deserves a Break): 50% Off the ABA Business Leaders Platform This Weekend Only!
Experts, X-Rays, and Indiana Drama: Live discussion today at 9:00 AM Eastern
Who Gets to Speak in ABA—and What Does That Say About Us?
Indiana Is Back in the News: What ABA Providers Need to Know About the State’s Latest Push for Cost Controls
How Applied Behavior Analysis Can Improve Healthcare Systems
Dealing with workplace drama!
🧩 Trends, Truths & Turning Points: What’s Shaping Autism and Behavioral Health in 2025
Arkansas Mom Releases Powerful Children’s Book on Autism and Mealtime Struggles
“What are we really doing here?”: The Push to Standardize Quality in Autism Therapy
Behavioral Health Deal Volume Up 53% in Early 2025: What This Means for ABA Practices
The Growing Gap in Autism and IDD Care: Why the Industry Must Scale Ethically and Strategically
Should a BCBA Always Own the Clinic? Maybe Not.
Staff, Tariffs, and RFK Jr.: What ABA Companies Need to Know Right Now - Live today at 8 AM Eastern!
ABA Staff Turnover Is Still Out of Control — Here’s What the Data Says
How the New Tariffs Could Impact ABA Businesses (And What You Can Do About It)
RFK Jr.’s Autism Registry Proposal: Understanding the Implications for ABA Companies
How Margin Keepers Can Help You Master Payroll & Financial Planning
Quality over Quantity- Is more supervision always better?
Denials, Audits & Billing Headaches: ABA News Roundup – April 14, 2025
Nebraska Issues New ABA Medicaid Service Definitions Amid Federal Audit Scrutiny
Concerns Grow Over Insurance Misuse of Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) in ABA Therapy Denials
Federal Audit Finds $56 Million in Improper Medicaid Payments for ABA Therapy in Indiana
UnitedHealthcare’s Strategy to Limit ABA Therapy Raises Alarm in the Autism Community
It’s Time to Get Real: ABA Business Owner Burnout
From Policy Shifts to Legal Hits: ABA News Roundup – April 7, 2025 - Live event today at 11AM Eastern!
Texas Recognizes QABA® for Behavior Analyst Licensure
Maryland Clinic Settles HIPAA Violations After Ransomware Attack
New York’s Proposed Medicaid Cuts Raise Concerns for Autism Services
Massachusetts Expands ABA Therapy Coverage to Children with Down Syndrome
Indiana’s Updated Medicaid Policy for ABA Therapy: What You Need to Know
Expanding to a Clinic? Do this first!
From Big Deals to Big Trouble: ABA Business News - March 31, 2025
The truth behind the client and staff cancellations
Top ABA Headlines
Local Owner Highlight- When to scale your ABA Business
Understanding the journey- Improving caregiver relationships with Melanie Thurston
How Effective Bookkeeping Ensures Payroll Stability and Helps You Retain ABA Staff
The Importance of Bookkeeping Services for ABA Business Owners
Mastering Marketing – Local Outreach Done Right
How to Scale Your ABA Business
You Just Closed Your ABA Company... Now What?
Building the Future of Small ABA Businesses – Join Us in This Mission
Red Flags in ABA Service Providers
Coaching Session- Discussing Onboarding with a New Owner
Would You Rather: Hiring in ABA
Grow your own BCBAs vs. hiring- What you need to know
Aligning Leadership with Values: Behavioral Intelligence in ABA with Dr. Paul Gavoni
ABA Accreditation: Compliance or Commitment to Quality?
AI meets clinical decision making- Using AI to improve patient outcomes- with Amanda Ralston
Comprehensive Updates to ABA Practice Handbooks: Enhanced Policies, Compliance, and ACQ Standards Integration
Leadership in ABA: Building Values, Managing Relationships, and Driving Progress with Martin Myers
Leadership, transparency, and collaboration in ABA organizations, with Jennifer Heidt
Building Better Care; Public Policy and Staff Empowerment
Free RBT Training for Your ABA Team This Holiday Season!
Innovating ABA Practice with AI Solutions
How can we help? Using ACT with Meg Solomon.
Building Resilience in ABA Practices: Lessons in Staffing, Billing, and Growth
Flash Sale: 6 Months Free Access to Our ABA Business Leaders Training Platform for 25 Companies!
I Hate My Job: Exploring Real Solutions
I Hate My Job: Reaction to Posts
I Hate My Job: Real Stories of Ethical Dilemmas in ABA
Introducing the New ABA Business Leaders Training Platform
I Hate My Job: Voicing the Frustrations of ABA Professionals
Introducing Our New Self-Paced Courses: Revenue Cycle Management & Effective Hiring with Indeed
CPABA Conference: A Path Forward for the Field - Get a 10% Discount!
Empower & Thrive: Registration Extended Until October 7 - 50% off!
Exciting New Coaching Opportunity for 3 Pie Squared ABA Business Leaders!
Free Download! Discover Essential Tax Compliance Tips with MarginKeepers
Why Stephen is Excited About the CPABA Conference 2024 - Discount just for you! -
3 Pie Squared Partners with Happy Medium RBT to Offer a Revolutionary 40-Hour RBT Training
Maximizing Recruitment with Indeed: How to Find the Right Candidates Without Breaking the Bank
Empathetic Leadership in ABA: Supporting Our Techs
Five Weeks of Wisdom: Bite-Sized Insights from 3 Pie Squared
Introducing the ABA Business Leaders Training Platform
Free Download! Boost Your Established ABA Practice with MarginKeepers' Essential Accounting Tips
Inside the World of ABA Audits and Legal Guidance with Kim Mack Rosenberg, Esq.
Ethical Practices for ABA Testimonials and Reviews with Dr. Jon Bailey
Navigating Growth and Challenges in ABA Business with Alecia Barrett
For a limited time, buy any of our handbooks and get our Business Leaders Membership for 75% off!
Collaboration in ABA: Strengthening Connections Among ABA Business Owners
"I Hate My Job" Series Kickoff: Discussing Burnout and Unethical Practices in the ABA Field
Top Five Essentials for Your Company Policies
Discount Ends Tomorrow – Last Chance to Get 20% Off Our Comprehensive ABA Billing Training Series!
Mastering Digital Marketing for ABA Practices with Reece from Reputation Elevation
Navigating ABA Business Growth: Consultation with Alecia Barrett
Unlock Your Billing Potential: Our New ABA Billing Course and Free ABA Billing Tips!
Navigating Company Policies: A Blueprint for ABA Practices
Free Chart of Accounts: Optimize Your Bookkeeping with MarginKeepers
Safeguarding Integrity: Proactive Strategies to Mitigate Billing Fraud in ABA Therapy
Steering Clear of Fraud: Mastering Insurance Billing in ABA Practice
From Overwhelm to Strategy: The Journey of an ABA Business Leader
Beyond the Startup: Common Mistakes by Seasoned ABA Business Owners
Essential Elements of an Employee Handbook for ABA Practices
Don’t Do That!: Avoiding Common Missteps in Your ABA Practice
Pre-Hire Power: The Critical Importance of an Employee Handbook for ABA Practices
Integrating Art into ABA Therapy: A Conversation with Natasha Bouchillon
Why a Client Handbook is Crucial Before Starting ABA Services
🥧 Grab a Slice of Success: Pi Day Flash Sale! 🎉
Why Should I Get a Client Handbook Before I Start Seeing Clients?
Financial Insights for ABA Practices: Free Chart of Accounts from MarginKeepers!
Navigating Authentic Copywriting in ABA Services: Insights and Innovations
Big Changes to the Podcast!
Get Free Expert Consulting for Your ABA Business on Our Podcast – Apply Now!
Navigating the Credentialing Conundrum: Insights from ABA Leaders
Navigating ADA Compliance: Essential Insights for ABA Business Owners
Nurturing Success: The Interplay Between Company and Team Dynamics
🌟 Dive Into the World of Sleep with Dr. Emily Ice: A Podcast Episode Not to Miss 🌜
A little late but our update is here!
Maximizing Your ABA Practice’s Potential: The Power of Bookkeeping with MarginKeepers
33% Off ABA Business Leaders for the Next 25 People!
Client Hours Discussion with April, Mallory Stinger, and Jennifer Helton
Improving Quality Through Accreditation: A Discussion with Erick Dubuque, Director of ACQ
Optimize Your ABA Practice with the Case Load Utilization Tool - 50% until Friday!
Black Friday Special - Rate Negotiations 2.0 - Elevating Your Practice with Provider Rate Resources
Navigating Medical Necessity with Dan and Mike from ABA on Tap
Upcoming Podcast with Erick Dubuque, Director of ACQ & Exciting News on How We Can Help Companies Navigate This New Standard! 🌟🎙️
Partnering with MarginKeepers, Co.: A Game Changer for Your ABA Practice
Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with a Bang: 50% Off ABA Business Leaders Membership and Earn 33.5 CEUs!
Empowering Change: Insights from New BCBA Business Owners
Founding a Nonprofit Practice with Susan Habchy
ABA Business Amazon List
De-Stress & Avoid ABA Burnout with a Relaxing Post-Work Routine
Three Common Struggles of a New ABA Practice
Benefits of Outsourcing with 3 Pie Squared
Why 3 Pie Squared
The Essential List for a Successful Business
2019 Satisfaction Survey results
The Cost of RBT Turnover
What You Need to Know About HIPAA
Podcast with Dr. Becca Tagg
Run Your Therapy Business Like a Well-Oiled Machine!
How to Grow Your Practice
phone calls, and portal logins required before clients can access medically necessary services—might finally be on their way out. At a minimum, the pledge is to make the process faster, less burdensome, and less opaque for both clinicians and families.
So, what does all this mean for the ABA world ? Will this be the moment ABA owners, directors, and startup founders have been waiting for? Or is it just another round of well-meaning promises that won’t stick? Let’s break it down, using actionable insights and evidence-based analysis.
Understanding Prior Authorizations: Why They Matter in ABA
Before we dive into what’s changing, it’s worth laying out just how deeply prior authorization is woven into ABA billing and operations . If you’re an ABA provider—especially in the U.S.—you’re already familiar with the maze of insurance requirements. Most funders, from Medicaid to major commercial plans, require providers to submit detailed treatment plans, clinical notes, and other supporting documentation before they’ll approve ABA services.
Sometimes, this means you can’t even schedule a client’s first session until you’ve cleared this hurdle. For new business owners, this can be an existential risk: how do you build a sustainable ABA company when every new intake could be held up by insurance for weeks or even months? For established providers, it’s a major driver of staff burnout and administrative bloat —the time, energy, and stress required just to get paid for ethical, medically necessary care.
Every ABA business podcast, billing guide, or onboarding checklist covers this: how to navigate the prior auth process . It’s such a core issue that entire jobs—sometimes entire departments—are dedicated to managing, tracking, and appealing these requests.
And the costs are huge. According to industry surveys, prior authorizations account for thousands of dollars in lost revenue, countless unpaid staff hours, and can even result in families abandoning care when delays get too long. In a field where demand outstrips supply, and where every week of missed therapy matters, this is more than an administrative problem. It’s an urgent issue for clinical outcomes.
RFK Jr., Dr. Oz, and the Industry Shift: What’s Actually Happening?
So, what did RFK Jr., Dr. Oz, and CMS announce—and does it really mean the end of prior authorizations for ABA?
- RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have publicly called out prior authorizations as an obstacle to timely, patient-centered care. They brought together a coalition of major health insurers and CMS, the government agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid, and secured pledges to “fix” the process.
- This “fix” includes making prior authorizations faster, more transparent, and less burdensome. It could mean faster approvals, clearer rules for what’s required, and even technology upgrades to reduce phone calls and paperwork.
- The government is watching. The HHS press release stresses that CMS and private insurers have committed to significant reforms, and there is increasing regulatory and political pressure to show real progress.
For ABA practice owners , this is not a vague, distant change. The majority of ABA providers operate under insurance contracts that require prior authorizations for nearly all services—initial assessments, ongoing therapy, supervision hours, and sometimes even parent training. If these requirements are relaxed or eliminated, it would fundamentally change how you do business .
What This Means for ABA Billing, Intake, and Scaling
Let’s get specific. If prior authorizations are truly reformed, what changes for ABA companies?
- Smoother Intake and Faster Starts: Families won’t have to wait weeks or months for approval. Providers can start therapy based on medical necessity and clinical best practice, improving outcomes and reducing client frustration.
- Less Administrative Overhead: The countless hours spent gathering documents, chasing signatures, and calling payers for status updates can be redirected toward clinical supervision, staff development, and client support. This could even mean smaller admin teams and better margins—making your ABA business more sustainable.
- More Predictable Cash Flow: Prior auth delays are one of the biggest disruptors of ABA cash flow. By reducing these bottlenecks, you can plan staffing, payroll, and program growth with more confidence. For startups, this is the kind of change that can make or break your ability to scale.
- Less Staff Burnout: Every owner knows: billing teams, intake coordinators, and clinical leads are tired of fighting the same insurance battles. Reducing administrative friction improves morale and lowers turnover—helping you build a more resilient, ethical practice.
- Opportunities to Streamline Systems: With less paperwork, your team can invest in better ABA handbooks , onboarding processes, and training programs. This isn’t just about removing hassle; it’s about building a scalable, ethical foundation for future growth.
Caution: Not Every Insurer Will Move at the Same Pace
Let’s keep it honest. Insurance companies have made big promises before. While the public pledge and government pressure are strong, actual implementation may take time—and some payers may look for loopholes or delay adoption.
What should you do?
- Stay informed by subscribing to ABA business podcasts and newsletters.
- Update your employee handbooks to reflect evolving billing requirements.
- Keep thorough documentation—even if prior auths become easier, your ethical and legal responsibilities remain.
- Join your state ABA association to get firsthand updates from insurers and Medicaid.
How ABA Practice Owners Can Prepare for Change
- Review Your Billing Workflows: Start mapping your current intake, prior auth, and billing processes. Where are your bottlenecks? If prior auths are streamlined, what will you do with the new capacity?
- Train Your Team: Make sure every intake coordinator, BCBA, and admin understands the changes. Offer training modules and refreshers—this is a great opportunity to use custom ABA handbooks and onboarding scripts.
- Communicate with Families: If changes mean faster access to care, let families know. Use this to build trust and show your commitment to ethical, family-centered ABA.
- Keep Advocating: Just because the system is changing doesn’t mean it’s fixed. ABA business leaders should continue advocating for transparency, clinical autonomy, and sustainable funding. Join webinars, roundtables, and working groups to keep your voice at the table.
- Monitor Compliance: As with all insurance changes, compliance is key. Stay vigilant about payer policies, and be ready to adapt your systems as the new rules roll out.
Why Ethical, Sustainable ABA Still Matters
Even as administrative barriers fall, the core mission remains: to provide effective, compassionate, evidence-based care that changes lives. Removing prior auth hurdles is one step—keeping your practice ethical, sustainable, and focused on quality is the next.
This is your chance to set the standard.
- Use the time saved from paperwork to improve clinical supervision, training, and outcomes.
- Invest in onboarding checklists and ABA handbooks that empower your team and protect your clients.
- Foster a culture of compliance, transparency, and family-centered care.
Final Thoughts: A Tipping Point for ABA Practice Growth
RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have brought unprecedented attention to a problem that’s plagued ABA and all of healthcare for decades. While we can’t guarantee every insurer will deliver on their promise, the winds are shifting toward a more provider-friendly future.
For ABA business owners—especially those focused on how to start an ABA business, streamline ABA billing, and prepare for growth—this is a moment of opportunity. Don’t waste it.
Ready to take your ABA business to the next level?
Sources:
- NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/24/nx-s1-5442713/rfk-jr-dr-oz-health-insurance-prior-authorization
- NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/kennedy-says-health-insurers-promise-change-prior-authorization-proces-rcna214515
- HHS Press Release: https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/kennedy-oz-cms-secure-healthcare-industry-pledge-to-fix-prior-authorization-system.html
- Medical Economics: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/doctors-patients-insurers-all-frustrated-with-prior-authorization-rfk-jr-and-dr-oz-say
