Autism and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy

The Health Care Authority offers an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy benefit to all Apple Health clients with a diagnosis in the Autism Spectrum Disorder up through age 20.

If you’re covered by a managed care organization such as:

• Amerigroup
• Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)
• Coordinated Care of WA
• Molina Healthcare
• United Healthcare (UHC)

Please contact the plan directly for program benefits.

ABA is an approach to improve behavior and skills related to core impairments associated with autism and a number of other developmental disabilities. ABA therapy involves application of validated principals of human behavior to change inappropriate behaviors. Providers use scientific methods to demonstrate that behavioral improvements are caused by the prescribed treatment. ABA therapy also focuses on social significance, which promotes a family-centered, whole-life approach.

Eligibility and accessing services

In order to be eligible for this benefit your child or youth must first be evaluated by an Apple Health approved Center of Excellence (COE) provider, and receive a prescription for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. For a list of Apple Health contracted providers please see Centers of Excellence.  

If it is determined by a COE provider that your child may benefit from ABA therapy, they will provide you with a copy of their evaluation and order to take to an ABA provider. You are encouraged to contact all your area Medicaid enrolled ABA providers. In most cases, providers have waiting lists for services. We recommend placing your child on multiple waiting lists, as this will help ensure you get the first available appointment.