Does Centene (WellCare) Cover ABA Therapy?
Published April 8, 2026
Yes — Centene and its WellCare subsidiary cover ABA therapy for children with autism on Medicaid managed care plans in over 30 states. Centene is the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the US by enrollment. Here's how ABA coverage works across Centene's many state-specific brands.
Key takeaways
- Centene is the largest Medicaid MCO in the US — covers ABA in 30+ states
- Centene operates under many local brand names: WellCare, Sunshine Health, Ambetter, Absolute Total Care, and more
- ABA is covered for all Medicaid-eligible children under 21 with autism across Centene plans
- Prior authorization is required — reviewed within 7–14 days
- Coverage details vary by state — check your specific local Centene plan
Centene's state-by-state brand names
Centene operates under different brand names depending on the state. You may have Centene coverage without realizing it. Common Centene brands that cover ABA include:
- WellCare — multiple states (the flagship Centene Medicaid brand)
- Sunshine Health — Florida Medicaid
- Absolute Total Care — South Carolina Medicaid
- Missouri Care — Missouri Medicaid
- Iowa Total Care — Iowa Medicaid
- Arkansas Total Care / Arkansas Health and Wellness — Arkansas Medicaid
- Sunflower Health Plan — Kansas Medicaid
- Magnolia Health — Mississippi Medicaid
- Oklahoma Complete Health — Oklahoma Medicaid
- Ambetter — ACA Marketplace plans in multiple states
How Centene/WellCare ABA coverage works
Across all Centene Medicaid plans, ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 with an autism diagnosis in line with federal Medicaid requirements. Coverage includes:
- Functional behavior assessment and skills assessment
- BCBA-supervised direct ABA therapy (home and clinic-based)
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) direct therapy hours
- Parent and caregiver training
- Periodic re-authorization every 6 months
How to get ABA authorized through Centene/WellCare
- Identify your Centene plan name by checking your insurance card — your plan will use a local brand name.
- Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed professional.
- Find an in-network ABA provider using FindABA or your plan's online provider directory.
- Your provider submits prior authorization — reviewed within 7–14 days.
- Services begin at no cost to you (on Medicaid plans).
Centene resources
- WellCare member portal: wellcare.com
- Ambetter (Marketplace): ambetterhealth.com
- Member services: Call the number on your insurance card
Find ABA providers that accept Centene / WellCare
FindABA lets you search for ABA therapy providers by insurance — including WellCare, Sunshine Health, Absolute Total Care, Missouri Care, and other Centene brands.
Search ABA providers →