Questions about APG, answered
Who we are, who can join, how we advocate for Georgia's ABA providers, and what families can do.
About APG
What is Autism Providers of Georgia (APG)?
Autism Providers of Georgia (APG) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association for organizations and clinicians who provide autism services, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), in Georgia. APG advocates for fair reimbursement, transparent regulation and stable Medicaid policy so Georgians on the autism spectrum can get quality care.
Does APG provide ABA therapy or other autism services?
No. APG is an association of providers, not a provider itself. APG does not deliver therapy, diagnose autism or bill insurance. [APG to confirm: whether APG refers families to member providers.]
Where does APG advocate for providers?
APG represents providers in four places policy is made: the Georgia General Assembly (bills, resolutions and budget provisions), the Georgia Department of Community Health (Medicaid policy, rate methodologies and credentialing rules), the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (commercial coverage) and Georgia's Medicaid care management organizations (CMOs).
Membership
Who can join APG?
ABA provider organizations of any size that serve Georgians on the autism spectrum, and individual clinicians such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Apply on the Join page.
How much does APG membership cost?
Dues differ for provider organizations and individual clinicians. [APG to confirm: organization and individual dues.]
What do APG members get?
Direct representation before the General Assembly, DCH and Medicaid CMOs; early notice of legislative, regulatory and payer changes; collective responses to rate disputes and policy challenges; statewide benchmarking data; and a network of ABA providers across Georgia.
Policy and payer issues
I'm a provider with a Medicaid, CMO or credentialing problem. What should I do?
If you're an APG member, email info@autismga.org with what's happening and which payer is involved. APG tracks patterns across providers and raises them with DCH and the CMOs. If you're not a member yet, join APG.
What has APG achieved for Georgia providers?
Georgia agreed to a 3% rate increase for ABA services, which APG sees as a first step toward reimbursement that reflects the real cost of care. After APG raised credentialing and licensure challenges, GAMMIS (Georgia's Medicaid provider system) now processes applications using the BCBA certification alone. See Advocacy & updates for more.
For families
I'm a parent looking for ABA therapy in Georgia. Can APG help?
APG does not provide therapy, but its members are ABA providers across Georgia. [APG to confirm: what APG recommends to families, for example asking your child's pediatrician, your health plan or your Medicaid CMO for in-network ABA providers, or a member directory if one is planned.]
How can families support access to ABA therapy in Georgia?
Lawmakers and state agencies listen to families. Telling your state legislators how ABA therapy has helped your child, and what barriers you've faced with coverage or waitlists, adds weight to the case providers make at the Capitol. [APG to confirm: specific actions APG wants families to take, and a link to Georgia's find-your-legislator tool.]
Contact
How do I contact APG?
Email info@autismga.org for general, membership and media questions. APG's mailing address is 5050 Research Court, Suite 125, Suwanee, GA 30024. APG also posts updates on LinkedIn and Facebook.