Multiple providers and parents told the Kern County Board of Supervisors that they have experienced increased coverage denials and service interruptions for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services provided through Kern Family Health.

Cassandra Carlson, a board-certified behavior analyst, read a statement from a parent saying her child was “prematurely cut off from services before she was ready.” Sara Gilbert, a parent who said her family is visually impaired and that both children received ABA through Kern Family Health, described abrupt denials that “lead to regression in behaviors and return communication decreases, and safety becomes a serious concern.”

Why it matters: ABA is an evidence-based therapy for many children with autism. Providers and parents said interruptions to therapy cause regression in learned skills and impose heavy burdens on caregivers.

Board reaction: Supervisors thanked speakers and said county-appointed members on the Kern Health Systems board and the organization’s CEO had been contacted. Supervisor Peters said he would have staff collect contact details and follow up; he and other supervisors noted Kern Health Systems is a managed care plan and not directly operated by the Board of Supervisors, though the county appoints members to its board.

Outcome: The board did not take formal policy action at this meeting. Supervisors committed to follow up: staff were asked to collect contact information from speakers, and county representatives said they would coordinate with Kern Health Systems leadership and board appointees to seek resolution.

Ending: Families and providers urged that the denials be resolved quickly; supervisors said they would convene staff and board appointees to pursue the matter.