Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Kansas?

Published April 8, 2026

Yes — KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. Kansas delivers Medicaid services through managed care organizations, with Wichita and the Kansas City metro having the largest ABA provider networks. Here's how to access coverage.

KanCare managed care plans

KanCare is Kansas's Medicaid program, delivered through managed care organizations. The plans covering ABA therapy include:

• Aetna Better Health of Kansas — statewide
• Sunflower Health Plan (Centene) — statewide
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas — statewide

Kansas's autism insurance mandate

Kansas law (K.S.A. 40-2253) requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for individuals with autism through age 18. Coverage includes diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. Families on employer-sponsored plans should verify whether their plan is fully-insured or self-insured.

How to access ABA through KanCare

1. Confirm your KanCare plan at kancare.ks.gov or call 1-800-792-4884.
2. Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed professional.
3. Contact your KanCare plan for in-network ABA providers, or search FindABA.
4. Complete prior authorization — typically 7–14 days for approval.
5. Services begin at no cost to you.

Kansas resources

• KanCare: kancare.ks.gov
• KS DD Waiver: kdads.ks.gov/home-and-community-based-services
• Autism Society of Kansas: autismkansas.org
• KanCare helpline: 1-800-792-4884