AOTA advocacy leads to BCBS Michigan coverage of Ayres Sensory Integration® for autism

2/2/26: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is pleased to announce a significant advocacy win for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), clients, and their families in Michigan. Following outreach and engagement by AOTA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will begin covering Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) for individuals with an autism diagnosis, effective March 1, 2026.

This important policy change expands access to evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) services and reflects the growing recognition of sensory integration's role in supporting meaningful participation and functional progress. Read more here!

Congress extends Medicare telehealth waivers through December 2027

On February 3, Congress approved a legislative package which includes an extension of Medicare waivers that will allow occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to provide services via telehealth through December 31, 2027. These waivers had expired at midnight on Friday, January 30, as they were tied to contentious budget negotiations which resulted in a brief partial government shutdown. Read more here!

Current AOTA Advocacy Issues:
- Behavioral health
- Healthcare reform
- Medicaid advocacy
- Medicaid Part B advocacy
- OTA payment advocacy
- Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
- Post-acute care payment advocacy
- Private insurance advocacy
- Schools and early intervention 
- Scope of practice
- Teleheatlh
- Workforce diversity

Support AOTA's advocacy efforts by becoming an AOTA member today!

AOTA Annual Conference

Save the Date! Join AOTA in Anaheim, CA for AOTA INSPIRE | 2026 Annual Conference & Expo! April 23–25, 2026

Registration & housing open October 29, 2025. Mark your calendars now — you won’t want to miss this gathering of the OT community! Find more here!

Other AOTA events

Learn more here!