Colorado saw red flags in autism therapy billing and approved higher rates anyway
By Jen Schumann | Rocky Mountain Voice
Federal auditors documented convicted staff working with autistic children. Colorado had no system to catch it.
Every week, parents of autistic children in Colorado dropped their kids off with behavior therapists they trusted. What they didn't know—what the state never required anyone to verify—was whether those therapists had passed a background check. Many hadn't. Not because anyone failed a background check. Because Colorado never required one.
HHS Office of Inspector General audit highlights—February 2026. Source: https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/audit/11494/A-09-24-02004-highlights.pdf
The findings from federal auditors came out in February. At least $77.8 million in improper Medicaid payments for autism therapy in 20...


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