Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in New Mexico?
Published April 8, 2026
Yes — New Mexico Centennial Care (Medicaid) covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. New Mexico has one of the highest Medicaid enrollment rates in the US, and Albuquerque has a growing ABA provider network. Here's how families can access coverage.
Key takeaways
- Centennial Care covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
- Managed care plans include Blue Cross Community Centennial, Molina, Presbyterian Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare
- New Mexico's commercial insurance mandate covers children through age 18
- Albuquerque has the largest ABA provider network in the state
- Adults may access services through the NM DD Waiver
New Mexico Centennial Care managed care plans
Centennial Care is New Mexico's Medicaid managed care program. Plans covering ABA therapy include:
- Blue Cross Community Centennial (BCBS) — statewide
- Molina Healthcare of New Mexico — statewide
- Presbyterian Health Plan — statewide
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of NM — statewide
New Mexico's autism insurance mandate
New Mexico law requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for individuals with autism through age 18. Coverage includes diagnosis, assessment, and treatment services.
How to access ABA through Centennial Care
- Confirm your Centennial Care plan at hsd.state.nm.us/mad or call 1-888-997-2583.
- 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.
New Mexico resources
- NM Medicaid: hsd.state.nm.us/mad
- NM DD Waiver: doh.nm.gov/developmental-disabilities
- Autism Society of New Mexico: autismnewmexico.com
- Medicaid helpline: 1-888-997-2583
Find New Mexico ABA providers that accept Medicaid
FindABA lists ABA providers across New Mexico showing accepted plans including Centennial Care, Blue Cross Community Centennial, and Presbyterian Health Plan.
Search New Mexico providers →