Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Georgia?
Published April 8, 2026
Yes — Georgia Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. Georgia's Medicaid managed care program is called Georgia Families, and it includes ABA therapy as a covered behavioral health service. Here's how to access it.
Key takeaways
- Georgia Medicaid covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
- Delivered through Georgia Families — Amerigroup, Caresource, Peach State Health, WellCare, and Anthem
- Atlanta metro has the largest ABA provider network in Georgia
- Georgia also has a commercial insurance autism mandate (SB 234)
- Adults may access services through the NOW and COMP Medicaid waivers
Georgia Families plans covering ABA
Georgia Medicaid delivers services through its Georgia Families managed care program. The major plans include:
- Amerigroup Georgia — largest Georgia Medicaid plan
- CareSource Georgia — statewide coverage
- Peach State Health Management — statewide
- WellCare of Georgia — statewide coverage
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia — statewide
Georgia's SB 234 — commercial insurance mandate
Georgia Senate Bill 234 requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for individuals up to age 21. If your child has private insurance, your plan must cover ABA under Georgia law. The mandate covers diagnosis, treatment, and pharmacy services related to autism.
How to access ABA through Georgia Medicaid
- Confirm your Georgia Families plan. Check your Medicaid card or call the Georgia Medicaid helpline at 1-800-869-1150.
- Obtain an autism diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician.
- Find an in-network ABA provider using FindABA or your plan's provider directory.
- Complete intake and assessment. The BCBA develops a treatment plan and submits prior authorization.
- Authorization typically takes 7–14 days. Services then begin at no cost to you.
Adults with autism in Georgia
Georgia offers two Medicaid waivers for adults with developmental disabilities including autism: the NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver). Both provide behavioral support and community-based services. Apply through the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) at dbhdd.georgia.gov. Waitlists can be significant.
Georgia resources
- Georgia Medicaid: dch.georgia.gov/medicaid
- DBHDD: dbhdd.georgia.gov
- Autism Society of Georgia: asgatl.org
- GA Medicaid helpline: 1-800-869-1150
Find Georgia ABA providers that accept Medicaid
FindABA lists ABA providers across Georgia showing accepted plans including Amerigroup, CareSource, and Georgia Medicaid.
Search Georgia providers →