Help Protect Access to Music Therapy in Indiana
Music Therapy through Medicaid Waiver may be impacted with limitations in access and budgeting.
At Aspire, we truly care about our community and the support they receive. We think our community deserves access to meaningful, person-centered care - including music therapy. Right now, there’s a proposed change in Indiana that would limit this access, and we need your voice to speak up.
What’s Happening?
Indiana has proposed limiting Medicaid Waiver funding for music therapy services to just 6 hours per month. If passed, this would go into effect December 2025. Here’s how it would impact those that we serve:
Reduced Frequency of Care
Some individuals benefit from or prefer multiple sessions per week. A 6-hour cap would limit many families to just one session a week, even when their needs or goals call for more. This could especially impact the individuals we serve who may not have regular activities to fill their time (like a job or school) and greatly value the opportunity to connect with others and engage in a meaningful activity throughout the week.Loss of Group and Community Programming
Summer camps, group music therapy sessions, and community-based programs would become unattainable under these restrictions, especially if a family is already using their allotted hours for individual sessions.Barriers for Rural Families
Families in rural areas often have limited access to services. If music therapy is one of the few supports available locally, a cap could cut off the only consistent therapeutic outlet their child or family member has.Strained Person-Centered Planning
Music therapy is designed to adapt to the goals, preferences, and strengths of each individual. This cap undermines the spirit of person-centered planning by placing a rigid limit on care—regardless of what’s actually best for the individual.
This cap could limit choice, restrict progress, and undermine individualized care.
Why This Matters
Music therapy is already an approved service under the Indiana Medicaid Waiver. Capping the budget not only limits services, but goes against the person-centered planning process that guides individualized support for people with disabilities. We know that no two people need the exact same support and this would restrict families from making the choices that are best for them, whether that’s more frequent sessions or access to additional opportunities.
What You Can Do
We have a short window to respond. The public comment period is open from July 9 through August 8, 2025.
Step 1: Submit a Public Comment
Send an email to:
Not sure what to say? We’ve made it easy:
Click here to view and copy sample comments created by the Indiana Music Therapy Taskforce
Feel free to personalize it with your experience!
Whether you’re a therapist, client, family member, educator, or supporter—your voice matters.
Step 2: Learn More
You can find the public notice and proposed waiver amendments here:
IN.gov: DDRS Draft Policies
(We are listed in the FSW and CIH Waivers).
The language for the proposal reads:
Transition Plan for Music Therapy Service Limit. The state is implementing a new limit on Music Therapy of six (6) hours per month. Individuals with services in excess of this limit in their approved service plan will continue to receive such approved services. The new limit will be applied to new/annual service plans with an effective date on or after 12/31/25.
The state is also proposing to limit Recreation Therapy and Behavior Consulting Services.
You can visit the Indiana Music Therapy Taskforce’s Facebook page to receive further updates and resources.
Step 3: Spread the Word
Share this post on social media
Email or text this blog to families you serve
Encourage other professionals to submit a comment
Let’s Keep Music Therapy Accessible
We know music therapy makes a difference—every day, in so many lives. Let’s make sure those we serve can continue to access it. Thank you for standing with us and supporting this work. If you have questions or want to collaborate, feel free to reach out or connect with the Indiana Music Therapy Taskforce.
