Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Kentucky?
Published April 8, 2026
Yes — Kentucky Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. Kentucky delivers Medicaid through several managed care organizations, with Louisville and Lexington having the strongest ABA provider networks. Here's how families can access coverage.
Key takeaways
- Kentucky Medicaid covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
- Managed care plans include Anthem, Humana, Molina, and UnitedHealthcare
- Kentucky's commercial insurance mandate covers children through age 21
- Louisville and Lexington have the largest ABA provider networks in KY
- Adults may access services through the Kentucky Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver
Kentucky Medicaid managed care plans
Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky Integrated Health Insurance Premium Payment — KIHIPP) is delivered through managed care organizations:
- Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky — statewide
- Humana CareSource — statewide
- Molina Healthcare of Kentucky — statewide
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of KY — statewide
Kentucky's autism insurance mandate
Kentucky law (KRS 304.17A-142) 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 country for a commercial insurance mandate. Coverage includes diagnosis, assessment, and behavioral health treatment.
How to access ABA through Kentucky Medicaid
- Confirm your Kentucky Medicaid plan at chfs.ky.gov/medicaid or call 1-855-459-6328.
- 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.
Kentucky resources
- Kentucky Medicaid: chfs.ky.gov/medicaid
- KY SCL Waiver (adults): chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dbhdid/dd
- Autism Society of Kentucky: autismsocietyofkentucky.org
- Medicaid helpline: 1-855-459-6328
Find Kentucky ABA providers that accept Medicaid
FindABA lists ABA providers across Kentucky showing accepted plans including Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare.
Search Kentucky providers →