How can I afford ABA therapy?

ABA therapy can be expensive, and it can be difficult for some families to work it into their budgets. Below are some of the ways you can secure funding for your child’s ABA therapy.

Insurance

Most families receiving ABA therapy services do so through insurance. Whether you have a commercial insurance provider or use a public insurance program like Medicaid, most insurance plans provide some sort of coverage for ABA therapy. For more information about what is included in your insurance plan, contact your insurance company’s representative directly.

Not every ABA therapy company will take every insurance plan. As you look around for ABA providers in your area, be sure to check if they accept your specific insurance.

Medicaid Waivers

Medicaid provides additional medical assistance to families with children living at home who have severe disabilities or medical conditions. Depending on the state you live in, Medicaid may have additional waivers available to help pay for some services not provided through "regular" Medicaid, such as case management, respite, home adaptations and vehicle modification.

For New York residents, the Care at Home Waiver program is available to select Medicaid recipients. More information can be found on the New York Department of Health website.

Grants

Grant funding is available for families who meet certain criteria and who apply to receive funds that can be used for various in-home and clinic-based therapies, ABA included. Below are a few places where families can find grant information and instructions for applying.

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation provides medical grants that enhance the quality of life for children across the United States. These grants give kids the care they need by helping with medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance.

Autism Care Today

Autism Care Today believes that access to early, effective treatment is vital for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. They provide grant money to families in need of early intervention services.

School District Funding

Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), families may request an evaluation from their local public school district to see if their child is eligible to receive federal funding for in-home or clinic-based therapy services. School districts may also have their own resources to provide ABA therapy services and other early intervention services directly to students. Contact your local public school district’s special education department to learn more about the evaluation process.

Visit the U.S. Department of Education website to learn more about IDEA. For additional information about how to use school district funding for early intervention services like ABA therapy, click here.