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Who Pays for ABA Therapy?
July 21, 2025
ABA therapy is often covered by a combination of insurance, state programs, and sometimes out-of-pocket payments. In many cases, private health insurance is the primary payer, especially if your child has a formal autism diagnosis. Most insurance plans in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina are required by law to cover ABA therapy under autism mandates.
Medicaid can also cover ABA therapy for eligible families, offering full or partial coverage depending on the state’s policies. Some military families may receive benefits through TRICARE, which includes ABA therapy for dependents with autism.
If insurance or Medicaid isn’t available, some families may pay out of pocket. Costs can range from $120 to $200 per hour, making financial planning essential. Fortunately, many providers, including Divine Steps ABA, work with families to explore payment options, including grants, scholarships, or sliding scale fees.
Unsure who will cover your child’s ABA therapy in Maryland, Virginia, or North Carolina? At Divine Steps ABA, we help families navigate insurance and payment options to get the care their child deserves.
Contact us today to find out how we can support your journey.
SOURCES:
https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/how-do-i-fund-my-childs-applied-behavior-analysis.html
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/aba-therapy-autism-cost/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Autism_Parenting/comments/wsipnh/how_do_you_afford_aba_therapy/
https://phxautism.org/wp-content/uploads/insurance-who-pays-for-what-national.pdf
https://www.iloveaba.com/2012/03/paying-for-aba.html
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