ABA Therapy in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

How ABA coverage works in Pennsylvania

Medicaid

Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, delivered through HealthChoices. Under the federal EPSDT rule, Medicaid must cover medically necessary treatment for children under 21, which includes ABA where a clinician has documented the need. Prior authorization is normally required.

Under age 3

Start with your state's Part C early intervention program, which runs under Part C of IDEA. It is separate from insurance, low or no cost, and does not require a diagnosis to request an evaluation.

Ages 3 and up

Your school district handles educational services through an IEP under Part B of IDEA. That is separate from insurance-funded ABA, and many families use both at once.

Commercial plans

Every state requires state-regulated health plans to cover autism services, though the specifics differ. Check your plan documents, or ask the agency.

The exception

Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA rules rather than state mandates, so a state requirement may not apply. Many cover ABA regardless. Ask HR whether your plan is self-funded or fully insured.