North Carolina taxpayers are watching Medicaid spending explode — and now disturbing reports are raising serious questions about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.

A recent New York Times investigation uncovered troubling allegations involving the rapidly growing autism therapy industry in North Carolina. According to the report, some clinics reportedly limit children’s naps to just seven minutes before waking them up so therapy—and Medicaid billing—can continue.

Think about that.

Children exhausted from hours of therapy are reportedly being awakened after seven minutes because clinics can only bill Medicaid while children are actively receiving services.

At the same time, North Carolina’s Medicaid spending on autism therapy has skyrocketed from roughly $121 million in 2022 to a projected $1 billion next year.

Taxpayers support helping children with autism. Families deserve quality care and real support. But taxpayers also deserve accountability.

Instead, the report describes:

• private equity firms pouring money into clinic chains,

• aggressive expansion across North Carolina,

• allegations of excessive therapy hours,

• weak state oversight,

• and a system where financial incentives may be driving care decisions.

No one is arguing against helping children with autism. But taxpayers have every right to ask tough questions when:

• spending increases by hundreds of millions of dollars,

• oversight appears weak,

• and disturbing stories emerge about clinics maximizing billing opportunities at taxpayer expense.

North Carolina families work too hard to see their tax dollars treated like an unlimited ATM.

Governor Stein is allowing this to go on with little to no oversight.  The state must ensure children receive appropriate care—while also protecting taxpayers from waste, abuse, and profit-driven exploitation of Medicaid.