PODCAST: Why some Georgia therapy clinics say they can't survive a 20% cut

A new episode of Atlanta News First’s Behind the Investigation highlights concerns among Georgia families relying on Medicaid for speech, occupational, and physical therapy for children after a reimbursement change announced by Caresource. The focus is on provider payment reductions that clinics say could force closures or reduce service capacity. Clinics describe a shift in how much Caresource will pay for covered therapy services, saying it plans to pay 80% of the Georgia Medicaid fee schedule, effectively 20% less than many expected. Inside Therapy Works owner Eileen Deogracias said she is preparing to close the clinic’s current location because the financial math no longer works. For families, the stakes extend beyond one site, particularly where provider options are limited. An analysis by Atlanta News First Investigates found gaps across Georgia’s Medicaid network, including 40 of 159 counties without any speech, physical, or occupational therapists in-network, leaving at least a quarter of the state facing practical care deserts.