Florida Autism Providers Face Unpaid Medicaid Claims

Nearly 700 providers report missing payments after a transition to a new administrator on October 1, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Autism

Isometric editorial illustration of a medical identity badge case resting on a clean, stylized marble reception desk. — Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration is investigating payment delays reported by nearly 700 Medicaid providers following the transition to Molina Healthcare. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nearly 700 Applied Behavior Analysis providers in Florida report they have not received Medicaid payments since the state transitioned administrative services to Molina Healthcare on October 1, 2026. The state's Agency for Health Care Administration is now investigating the widespread payment delays.

Why it matters

The payment disruption threatens the financial stability of providers who deliver essential services to patients with autism. These delays create uncertainty for the continued availability of therapy across the state.

Nearly 700 providers are reporting unpaid Medicaid claims to the state. The total value of these outstanding payments remains unknown while the Agency for Health Care Administration conducts its oversight investigation.

The players

Molina Healthcare

This managed care organization serves as a healthcare administrator for various government programs and was recently appointed to handle Florida Medicaid fund distribution.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

This state agency is responsible for the oversight of Medicaid programs and is currently investigating the payment delays reported by therapy providers.

The details

Providers recently rallied outside the Molina Healthcare office in Doral to demand payment for services rendered. A medical attorney is currently preparing to meet with executive leadership at the company to seek a resolution to the ongoing financial crisis.

October 1, 2026: Molina Healthcare began administering Florida Medicaid claims.

Health Landscape

This payment disruption illustrates the logistical risks inherent in the Florida Medicaid administrative services transition that shifted fund distribution to new vendors. These challenges underscore the potential for instability when large-scale changes are implemented in state healthcare systems.

The ongoing payment dispute may force therapy providers to reduce their capacity, potentially limiting the access patients have to necessary care. Families relying on these services should monitor their provider for any changes to scheduled sessions or operational status.

The takeaway

Disruptions in administrative payment processing can have immediate and severe consequences for specialized medical care providers. Providers facing payment issues should maintain detailed documentation of all outstanding claims to assist in the ongoing state investigation.