Proposed Action for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Rate Setting Methodology

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice of the following proposed action regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services under the state plan under Title XIX of the Social Security Act Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid).

Effective on or after July 1, 2019, the SCDHHS proposes to amend the South Carolina Title XIX State Plan to update the fee schedule reference for ASD. Updates to the fee schedule consider the impact of provider cost drivers on the cost of service delivery to support the development of provider rates as well as adapt to market trends as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy broadens in prevalence locally and nationally.

The initial state plan amendment for services for children with ASD received approval for implementation on or after July 1, 2017. Since the implementation of ASD services, SCDHHS has solicited more detailed information about the structure and cost of delivering ABA services.

Based upon the proposed actions, SCDHHS projects that annual aggregate Medicaid expenditures will increase by approximately $5,200,000 (total dollars).

Copies of this notice are available at each SCDHHS Healthy Connections Medicaid office and at scdhhs.gov for public review. Additional information regarding this proposed action is available upon request at the address cited below.

Written comments may be sent to SCDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health, Post Office Box 8206, Columbia, South Carolina 29202-8206. Comments may also be submitted to comments@scdhhs.gov. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. June 27, 2019.

Any written comments submitted may be reviewed by the public at the SCDHHS, Division of Behavioral Health, Jefferson Square Building, 1801 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.