Who Pays for ABA Therapy? Insurance, Medicaid, and More

ABA therapy costs can be covered by a few different sources, depending on where you live and your specific situation. The short answer to “Who pays for ABA therapy?” is that insurance (private and public), Medicaid, and sometimes state or federal programs typically cover most or all of the costs.

Insurance: Your First Line of Support

All 50 U.S. states, including Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Iowa, and Ohio, now require health insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for autism diagnosis due to federal mandates implemented by 2021. This means many private insurance plans help cover ABA therapy, though coverage details like co-pays and session limits vary by policy and state regulations.

Medicaid: Vital Funding for Many Families

Medicaid covers ABA therapy in all these states for eligible families, particularly low-income households. It often covers assessment, treatment, and ongoing therapy but does have specific eligibility requirements and provider network rules.



Additional Programs and Supports

Some families may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or state grant programs to assist with therapy costs. Schools also provide support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which can include ABA therapy as part of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Understanding “Who pays for ABA therapy?” helps families plan and access the care their child needs. At Inclusive ABA, we work closely with families and insurers to navigate coverage and make therapy affordable.



Ready to explore your options? Contact Inclusive ABA today and let’s start paving the way for your child’s success.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncsl.org/health/autism-and-insurance-coverage-state-laws
2. https://www.abtaba.com/blog/aba-therapy-insurance-coverage
3. https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-grants-families
4. https://bcotb.com/adhdlearning-disabilities/funding-resources-aba-affordable-2025/
5. https://www.health.mil/Reference-Center/Publications/2024/04/15/ABA-Maximum-Allowed-Rates-Effective-May-1-2024