If you have a child with a learning disability, a hearing issue or a speech impediment, he or she may need what’s called “early intervention." These are evaluations and therapeutic help for young children who may have developmental delays and/or disabilities. 

The Agencies for Children’s Therapy Services, or ACTS, is an association of 40 early intervention agencies which provide services both in-home and in community settings. Each year, they serve over 30,000 infants, toddlers and preschoolers across New York state. 

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul included a 5% increase in the state budget for reimbursement rates for in-person services under the Early Intervention Program. But the rate increase hasn’t been implemented because the state Department of Health is not authorized to implement the increase until the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approve the State Plan amendment. 

The DOH sent the following emailed statement to Capital Tonight:

“The State Health Department remains committed to supporting and enhancing affordable early intervention services that serve thousands of children statewide. The approved 2024-2025 budget includes a rate increase for providers, as well as administrative changes to reimbursement to refocus the program to more personal, direct care. This rate increase is currently under review by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.”

The state said it is prepared to process the 5% increase once it is approved by the federal government. But there are concerns that the increase may not be approved amid possible congressional cuts to Medicaid.

Capital Tonight discussed the crisis in New York's early intervention program with Dr. Scott Mesh, an ACT board member and executive director of Los Niños, which provides in-person and telehealth services for young children with special needs in New York City and Westchester County.