Family Guide
Does Medicaid cover ABA therapy in Florida?
Short answer: yes, in most cases. Florida Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children and youth under 21 when it's medically necessary, and adults can often access ABA-related supports through the iBudget Waiver. Here's what that actually looks like in practice.
Who qualifies
Florida Medicaid covers Behavior Analysis services (the official name for ABA therapy) for people under 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid and have an autism diagnosis or another qualifying behavioral health condition. A licensed provider has to determine the services are medically necessary, which usually means a diagnostic evaluation and a written treatment plan.
Most kids in Florida get Medicaid through a Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan. Each plan has its own paperwork, but the underlying coverage rules are the same. We're in-network with:
- Humana Florida
- Simply HealthCare FL
- Clear Health Alliance FL
How to apply, step by step
- Enroll in Medicaid. Apply through the Florida Department of Children and Families at myflfamilies.com if you don't have coverage yet.
- Get a diagnosis or referral. A pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist can evaluate your child. We also offer diagnostic evaluations.
- Pick a Medicaid-approved ABA provider. Permuy Diversity Intervention is approved across Monroe and Miami-Dade counties.
- Authorization. We submit the assessment and treatment plan to your Medicaid plan for prior authorization. Once approved, services can start.
Adults over 21: the iBudget Waiver
Standard Medicaid stops covering ABA at age 21, but Florida's iBudget Waiver, run by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), covers ongoing behavior analysis and other supports for adults with developmental disabilities. We're approved to provide iBudget Waiver services and can help families understand what's covered.
To apply, contact your local APD regional office or visit apd.myflorida.com. The waitlist is real, but planning ahead before a child turns 21 makes a big difference.
What's covered (and what isn't)
- One-on-one ABA sessions at home, in our office, or in the community.
- Initial assessments and ongoing treatment plans.
- Parent and caregiver training, which is often the biggest predictor of progress.
- Mental health counseling, billed separately when it's needed.
Things like school-based services and private-pay add-ons fall outside Medicaid. We'll always tell you up front what's covered before you start.
Related reading
Want the full step-by-step Medicaid & ABA guide?
Our blog post walks through EPSDT, the SMMC 2025 transition, and the iBudget Waiver — the paths Florida families use to access ABA therapy.
Not sure where you stand? Call us.
We'll look at your Medicaid plan, your child's situation, and tell you honestly what the next step is. No pressure, no jargon.