Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Florida?

Published April 8, 2026

Yes — Florida Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 who have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Florida uses a managed care system, so your coverage depends on which Medicaid health plan your child is enrolled in. Here's how to navigate it.

Florida Medicaid managed care plans that cover ABA

Florida Medicaid is administered through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. Children are enrolled in one of several health plans depending on their county. The major plans that cover ABA are:

• Sunshine Health — one of the largest Medicaid plans in Florida, covers most of the state
• Simply Healthcare — strong ABA provider network, especially in South Florida
• Humana Medical Plan — covers ABA in most Florida counties
• Molina Healthcare — covers ABA statewide
• Florida Community Care (FCC) — serves children with complex needs

Your assigned plan depends on where you live. You can check your plan and switch during open enrollment periods by calling 1-877-711-3662 (FL Medicaid enrollment broker).

What Florida Medicaid ABA covers

Under Florida Medicaid, covered ABA services include:

• Behavior analysis assessment (by a licensed BCBA)
• Direct behavior analysis treatment (individual therapy sessions)
• Group behavior analysis treatment
• Family training and caregiver coaching
• Ongoing clinical supervision

Services must be provided by or supervised by a Florida-licensed behavior analyst (LBA). BCBAs must obtain an LBA license to provide services under Florida Medicaid — not all BCBAs have this license, so confirm when contacting providers.

Steps to access ABA through Florida Medicaid

1. Confirm your Medicaid plan. Log into your Florida Medicaid account or call your plan to confirm you're enrolled and identify your health plan.
2. Get an autism diagnosis. You need a formal ASD diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist. Florida Medicaid accepts evaluations from qualified providers.
3. Find an LBA-licensed ABA provider that accepts your plan. This is the hardest step — not all ABA providers accept all Medicaid plans. Use FindABA to search by city and filter by Florida Medicaid.
4. Complete intake and assessment. The provider conducts a skills assessment and develops a treatment plan.
5. Prior authorization is submitted. The provider submits the treatment plan to your Medicaid health plan for approval. This typically takes 7–21 days.
6. Therapy begins. Once authorized, your child starts services at no cost to you.

Florida-specific consideration: LBA licensure

Florida requires BCBAs to hold a Florida Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) license to bill Medicaid. This is separate from the national BCBA certification. When searching for providers, ask specifically whether their BCBAs hold Florida LBA licenses — some smaller providers or those who primarily serve commercial insurance may not.

Adults with autism and Florida Medicaid

Florida Medicaid does not cover standard ABA therapy for adults over 21. However, adults with autism may access behavioral support through:

• iBudget Florida (Home and Community-Based Services waiver) — provides a range of support services for adults with developmental disabilities, including behavioral support. Apply through your local APD (Agency for Persons with Disabilities) area office. Waitlists vary by county.
• APD Supported Living — behavioral supports as part of a supported living arrangement

Useful Florida resources

• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD): apdcares.org
• Autism Society of Florida: autismfl.org
• Florida Medicaid enrollment: 1-877-711-3662
• Florida BHAP (Behavior Analysis Association): floridabehavioranalysis.org