Magellan Healthcare, the behavioral and specialty health care segment of managed care organization Magellan Health, has announced a strategic partnership with Kyo Autism Therapy to develop standardized outcome measures for autism therapies. This collaboration aims to test and implement evidence-based practices for autism therapy providers who work with payers under value-based care models, signaling a significant step forward in modernizing care delivery through outcome-based autism therapy.
“[Applied Behavior Analysis] services have struggled to transition from a fee-for-service to a value-based model,” said Colin Davitian, CEO of Kyo Autism Therapy. “Our collaboration with Magellan will help change the paradigm and make ABA treatment more individualized and outcomes-driven.” By focusing on outcome-based autism therapy, the partnership intends to promote wider adoption of programs that measure real results rather than just hours of service.
Bridging the Gap Between ABA and Value-Based Care
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a cornerstone of autism therapy, but historically, it has operated on a fee-for-service model that emphasizes the quantity of therapy over measurable improvements. Outcome-based autism therapy shifts the focus toward results, ensuring that each child’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs and progress is monitored objectively. Magellan Healthcare and Kyo Autism Therapy are working together to make this model the standard for ABA services.
Magellan Healthcare, part of the larger managed care company Magellan Health, manages complex and specialty benefits for other health plans or entities overseeing healthcare benefits. Its experience in integrating behavioral and physical health solutions positions the organization to lead the development of outcome-based autism therapy standards. Kyo Autism Therapy, based in Daly City, California, offers in-school, in-home, and center-based ABA services across 10 states, and its individualized approach aligns seamlessly with this initiative.
Addressing Industry Challenges
A key barrier to wider adoption of value-based care in autism treatment is the lack of consensus on which outcomes are meaningful and how they should be measured. By developing measurable standards, Magellan Healthcare and Kyo Autism Therapy aim to create clarity and accountability in the field, advancing outcome-based autism therapy practices nationwide.
Other major organizations are pursuing similar initiatives. In April, Evernorth, the services arm of Cigna Corp., partnered with the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence to develop outcome standards for autism care. The center followed in May with a partnership with Centene Corp., one of the largest managed care companies in the U.S. These collaborations highlight an industry-wide recognition that outcome-based autism therapy is essential for ensuring effective, measurable care.
Leadership Perspectives
“At Magellan, we have deep clinical expertise in ABA that includes strong collaborations with well-respected providers such as Kyo,” said Yagnesh Vadgama, vice president of clinical care services for autism at Magellan Healthcare. “Together with Kyo’s individualized approach to ABA therapy, we can jointly improve the quality of life for children with autism and their families.”
Colin Davitian emphasized that the partnership goes beyond metrics. “This is about fundamentally shifting how ABA therapy is delivered and evaluated. Outcome-based autism therapy ensures every session is purposeful and aligned with measurable progress, ultimately benefiting children and families.”
The Role of Centene and Integrated Care
Centene, which operates government-backed health plans, completed a $2.2 billion acquisition of Magellan Health in January. One of the goals of the acquisition is better integration of behavioral and physical health benefits. Within Magellan Healthcare, Magellan Autism Connections coordinates autism care through its network of providers, including Kyo Autism Therapy, supporting the implementation of outcome-based autism therapy standards across multiple care settings.
The Importance of Measurable Programs
Value-based care and outcome-driven therapy are becoming increasingly central to the behavioral health industry. By focusing on outcome-based autism therapy, providers and payers can ensure treatments are not only delivered but also demonstrably effective. Digital tools and behavioral health technologies are helping track outcomes, monitor progress, and provide actionable insights that drive better care for children with autism.
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States, a rate that has risen significantly in recent years according to federal data. This growing prevalence underscores the need for structured, effective, and outcome-based autism therapy approaches that deliver measurable benefits for children and their families.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Magellan Healthcare and Kyo Autism Therapy represents a critical step toward modernizing autism care. By combining payer expertise with provider innovation, they are establishing a framework for outcome-based autism therapy that is individualized, measurable, and results-driven. As the industry increasingly embraces standardized outcome measures, children with autism, their families, and healthcare providers all stand to benefit from therapies that truly make a difference.
