Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Massachusetts?

Published April 8, 2026

Yes — MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. Massachusetts has one of the most comprehensive autism coverage frameworks in the country, with a strong commercial insurance mandate and a robust Medicaid system. Here's how to access it.

MassHealth managed care and ACO plans

MassHealth operates through Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and managed care plans. Key plans covering ABA therapy include:

• Tufts Health Together — statewide
• Fallon Total Care — central and eastern Massachusetts
• BMC HealthNet Plan — statewide
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of MA — statewide
• Boston Medical Center ACO — Greater Boston area

Massachusetts autism insurance mandate — all ages, no cap

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32A, Section 22 and Chapter 176G, Section 4 require fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Critically, there is no age limit and no annual dollar cap. This is one of the broadest autism insurance mandates in the US, covering adults as well as children.

How to access ABA through MassHealth

1. Confirm your MassHealth plan at mass.gov/masshealth or call 1-800-841-2900.
2. Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist.
3. Contact your ACO or 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.

Massachusetts resources

• MassHealth: mass.gov/masshealth
• MA DDS (adult services): mass.gov/dds
• Autism Society of Massachusetts: autismsocietyofmass.org
• MassHealth helpline: 1-800-841-2900