Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Delaware?
Published April 8, 2026
Yes — Delaware Medicaid (Diamond State Health Plan) covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. Delaware is a small state with a growing ABA provider network in Wilmington and Newark. Here's how to access coverage.
Key takeaways
- Diamond State Health Plan covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
- Managed care plans include Highmark Health Options and UnitedHealthcare
- Delaware's commercial insurance mandate covers children through age 21
- Wilmington and Newark have the largest ABA provider networks in DE
- Adults may access services through the Delaware Lifespan Network waiver
Delaware Medicaid managed care plans
Delaware's Diamond State Health Plan delivers Medicaid services through managed care organizations:
- Highmark Health Options — statewide
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Delaware — statewide
Delaware's autism insurance mandate
Delaware law (18 Del. C. § 3571F) requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for individuals with autism through age 21. This is one of the higher age caps in the mid-Atlantic region. Coverage includes diagnostic evaluation and behavioral health treatment.
How to access ABA through Delaware Medicaid
- Confirm your Diamond State Health Plan at dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma or call 1-800-372-2022.
- Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed professional.
- Contact your managed care plan for in-network ABA providers, or search FindABA.
- Complete prior authorization — typically 7–14 days for approval.
- Services begin at no cost to you.
Delaware resources
- Delaware Medicaid: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma
- DE Lifespan Network: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds
- Autism Delaware: autismdelaware.org
- Medicaid helpline: 1-800-372-2022
Find Delaware ABA providers that accept Medicaid
FindABA lists ABA providers in Delaware showing accepted plans including Diamond State Health Plan, Highmark Health Options, and UnitedHealthcare.
Search Delaware providers →