Does Insurance Cover ABA Therapy in California?

In most cases, yes. California law requires many health plans to cover ABA therapy for autism, and Medi-Cal covers it for eligible children and youth. Here is an overview to help your family understand the options. Coverage details vary by plan, so our Admissions team always verifies your specific benefits.

Private and Employer Health Plans

California’s autism insurance law (SB 946) requires state-regulated health plans and insurers to cover behavioral health treatment, including ABA, for people with autism spectrum disorder when it is medically necessary. Some employer plans that are self-funded follow federal rules instead, so it’s important to check with your plan. You may still have copays, coinsurance or a deductible.

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal covers behavioral health treatment such as ABA for members under 21 when it is medically necessary. Services are usually arranged through your Medi-Cal managed care plan, such as L.A. Care or Health Net.

Regional Centers

California’s Regional Centers serve people with developmental disabilities under the Lanterman Act. Regional Centers generally look to health insurance first, but they may help fund services or out-of-pocket costs in some situations. Children under 3 may qualify for services through the Early Start program.

School Districts

Students with an IEP or 504 plan may receive behavioral support at school, funded by the school district. Holding Hands is a California Non-Public Agency and works with many LA-area districts. Learn more about our school-based services.

What You’ll Usually Need

• Your insurance card or Medi-Cal plan information
• A diagnosis report, ideally from the past year
• A referral or prescription for ABA, if your plan requires one
• Your Regional Center UCI number and service coordinator, if you have one

Plans and Funders We Work With

We work with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Kaiser, L.A. Care, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare and more, plus eight Regional Centers and many school districts. See the full list on our funding sources page.

This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your specific plan.

Get Started

Have questions or ready to begin? Complete our enrollment form or call the clinic nearest you. Our Admissions team will verify your benefits and help you schedule an assessment.