Costs are one of the hardest parts. This guide covers the main ways families pay, what applies across the United States, and where rules depend on your state. Rules change, so confirm with your plan and your state.
Free public services
Early intervention for babies and young children and special education through the school system are public programs. CDC says early intervention programs exist in every state and territory and are free or reduced cost for eligible children. Eligibility is based on an evaluation of your child's skills.1 For children 3 and older, CDC suggests asking your local public elementary school for an evaluation.1
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid's EPSDT benefit provides screening, diagnostic and treatment services to enrolled children under 21. States must cover the services federal law lists that are medically necessary to correct or improve health conditions.2 How a family gets ABA, speech or OT through Medicaid, and which providers take it, still varies by state. Your state Medicaid agency or managed care plan can tell you the steps. Wait lists are common.
Private insurance
Autism Speaks reports that all fifty states have taken action to require coverage for autism treatment in state-regulated health plans. Those are fully insured group and individual plans and state employee plans.3 The National Conference of State Legislatures keeps a list of the state laws, and notes that details differ.4 Things that vary by state include age limits, hours or dollar caps, and which therapies are covered. Plans an employer funds itself may not follow state rules, so ask which type you have. Ask your insurer these questions, and write down the date, the name of the person you spoke to and what they said:
- Does my plan cover an autism evaluation, ABA, speech therapy and occupational therapy?
- Is there a limit on hours, visits, age or dollars per year?
- Do I need a referral or a prior authorization?
- Which providers are in network, and what do out-of-network visits cost?
- Is my plan fully insured or self-funded by an employer?
State section: Washington
The Washington State Health Care Authority says Apple Health (Medicaid) covers ABA for people who qualify. A person must be evaluated by an approved Center of Excellence provider and get a prescription for ABA. The state describes four steps:
- Choose a Center of Excellence provider. If you are in managed care, your plan can help you find one in network.
- Get the diagnostic evaluation and ABA order. The provider recommends a treatment plan and orders ABA if it is appropriate. Keep a copy of the evaluation and order.
- Find an ABA provider. Wait lists are common. The state suggests calling every ABA provider in your area who accepts Apple Health and joining several lists.
- Start services. Your ABA provider completes intake assessments, writes a treatment plan and asks for prior authorization. Services start when authorization is complete.
Apple Health may also cover speech, occupational and physical therapy for people who qualify.5 More state sections will be added as the directory grows.
Other help
Many families also look at local nonprofits and parent groups. Our directory lists support and advocacy groups that can point you to programs near you.
One national example is TACA (The Autism Community in Action), a nonprofit headquartered in Irvine, California. Its website describes parent mentorship, support groups, family events and educational resources, and says most of its services are free.6 TACA also shares views on medical treatments that not every clinician agrees with, so talk with your child's doctor before changing any treatment.
Find support groups Search all providers
1. CDC, Early Intervention.
2. Medicaid.gov, EPSDT.
3. Autism Speaks, State regulated health benefit plans.
4. NCSL, Autism and Insurance Coverage State Laws (updated 2021).
5. Washington State Health Care Authority, Applied Behavior Analysis. Page content as read on 2026-10-03.
6. TACA, Who We Are and Southern California Outreach.
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk with your child's doctor and your health plan about your situation.
Listings are not endorsements. Autism Innovations does not rate or recommend providers. Confirm services, availability, insurance and credentials directly with each provider.