MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Autism–A new, three-year analysis of autism therapy claims data by Positive Development, the leading provider of developmental therapy for autistic children and their families, shows that the company’s developmental therapy model costs 68% less, on average, per member per year, than the average cost of comparable Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy over the same period. Positive Development’s analysis was conducted in partnership with one of its largest contracted payers, a regional, non-profit health plan in the mid-Atlantic.
Over the period covered by the data analyzed, the non-profit health insurer’s ABA therapy costs increased at a compounding rate of 28% year-over-year, making it one of the fastest-growing conditions from a cost perspective. Positive Development’s average annual per member cost over that same period was more than two-thirds lower, despite contracting at significantly higher hourly rates than comparable average ABA rates.
“Health plans are often hesitant to contract at higher rates, but they are essential for hiring qualified staff and making our lower intensity service offering financially sustainable,” said Mike Suiters, Co-founder and CEO of Positive Development. “This data clearly shows that our therapy model is significantly more cost-effective than ABA when comparing annual per-capita cost, even at higher hourly rates.”
Suiters added, “Having an autism therapy option that costs two-thirds less is a win for payers looking for cost-effective solutions that deliver strong member outcomes and lower costs for all. It’s a win for families who have been requesting more care choices and needing more access to services. Positive Development is innovating in this space to create a value-based reimbursement model for our lower-intensity, lower cost, family-centered developmental therapy that we think will become the standard of care.”
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner in advancing value-based autism care,” said Chad Pomeroy, President of Positive Development. “With ABA costs growing at unsustainable rates, payers need evidence-based, cost-effective alternatives. This analysis demonstrates developmental relationship-based therapy is a compelling path forward.”
As commercial and Medicaid payers seek value-based care approaches to autism care, the findings highlight developmental therapy as a proven solution that supports families, improves outcomes and reduces utilization costs.
To learn more about Positive Development’s affordable and transformative developmental therapy, please visit www.positivedevelopment.com or follow company updates on:
About Positive Development
Since 2020, Positive Development has been on a mission to deliver developmental therapy to as many autistic children and families as possible. Positive Development’s team represents dedicated parents, devoted family members, impassioned self-advocates and pioneering clinicians. Together, they have observed the transformative power of high-quality Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBI) therapy firsthand – personally, professionally and scientifically. As the largest provider of developmental therapy in the country, Positive Development is committed to broadening access to this life-changing approach while establishing best practices in clinical support. The company’s dedication to outcomes measurement and evaluation benefits all families served.
Contacts
Suzy Smith
PR Director, Positive Development
suzy.smith@positivedevelopment.com
