NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A change in a TennCare subcontractor could wind up causing autistic children in Tennessee needed specialized care.

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Several dozen agencies that provide behavioral therapy haven't been paid for care they've provided through TennCare.

"It's a huge difference," said Jane Lott, president of Autism and Behavioral Consultants. "This is my passion, and this is my career, and, you know, put all of that aside, these children need this. It is a medically necessary treatment."

Behavioral therapy teaches autistic children how to better socialize and communicate. It's been widely used for more than a decade, along with occupational and speech therapy.

"Behavioral therapy, with autism, is probably the most important therapy there is," said Karen Blake, the operator of the Autism Foundation of Tennessee, a nonprofit organization providing similar kinds of therapy. "I just think that early intervention is the key to success."

TennCare clientele make up at least 75 percent of Blake's business and 90 percent of Lott's.

"You can have a child that's completely non-verbal, that begins speaking in full sentences," said Lott.

TennCare contracts with the Volunteer State Health Plan, which, in turn, uses a company called Value Options to handle billing. A recent change, though, caused a two-month payment delay.

"We're waiting on $50,000," said Blake.

Lott said the subcontractor owes her more than $90,000.

In an effort to make ends meet, both women have raided their savings accounts and contacted Value Options daily.

"It's a different story every day," said Lott. "It's, 'This will be resolved in an hour.' 'Give us 48 hours.'"

Without an immediate fix, the agencies, families and children who rely on this kind of care face an uncertain future.

"We don't have the operating expense, at this point, to continue the rest of this month," said Lott. "I'm really scared for our kids."

A spokesman for Volunteer State Health Plan told Channel 4 News he was very disappointed to hear about the provider's problems. He said the company would contact every one of the providers and guarantee full payment as soon as possible.