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Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Montana?

Published April 8, 2026

Yes — Montana Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. Montana primarily uses a fee-for-service Medicaid model, and Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls have the most ABA providers in the state. Here's how families can access coverage.

Key takeaways

  • Montana Medicaid covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
  • Montana uses fee-for-service Medicaid — work directly with Montana Medicaid-enrolled providers
  • Montana's commercial insurance mandate covers children through age 18
  • Billings and Missoula have the most ABA providers in the state
  • Adults may access services through Montana's Developmental Disabilities Program

How Montana Medicaid covers ABA

Montana Medicaid primarily operates on a fee-for-service basis rather than managed care. This means you work directly with a Montana Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider — the provider bills Montana Medicaid directly for covered services. ABA therapy falls under Montana Medicaid's behavioral health benefit for children under 21 with autism.

Montana's autism insurance mandate

Montana law (MCA § 33-22-706) requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for children with autism through age 18. Coverage includes diagnosis and evidence-based behavioral health treatment.

How to access ABA through Montana Medicaid

  1. Confirm your Montana Medicaid enrollment at dphhs.mt.gov/medicaid or call 1-800-362-8312.
  2. Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed professional.
  3. Find a Montana Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider using FindABA or the Montana Medicaid provider directory.
  4. Prior authorization may be required — your provider will submit documentation on your behalf.
  5. Services begin at no cost to you.

Montana resources

Find Montana ABA providers that accept Medicaid

FindABA lists ABA providers across Montana showing accepted insurance plans including Montana Medicaid and commercial insurers.

Search Montana providers →