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Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in South Dakota?

Published April 8, 2026

Yes — South Dakota Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. South Dakota uses fee-for-service Medicaid, and Sioux Falls has the highest concentration of ABA providers in the state. Here's how to access coverage.

Key takeaways

  • SD Medicaid covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
  • South Dakota uses fee-for-service Medicaid — work directly with enrolled providers
  • South Dakota's commercial insurance mandate covers children through age 18
  • Sioux Falls has the largest ABA provider network in SD
  • Adults may access services through the SD Division of Developmental Disabilities

How South Dakota Medicaid covers ABA

South Dakota Medicaid (Medical Assistance Program) operates on a fee-for-service basis. You work directly with a South Dakota Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider. The provider bills Medicaid directly for your child's services — there are no separate managed care plans to navigate.

South Dakota's autism insurance mandate

South Dakota law (SDCL § 58-17-95) requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for children with autism through age 18. Coverage includes diagnosis, assessment, and treatment services.

How to access ABA through South Dakota Medicaid

  1. Confirm your SD Medicaid enrollment at dss.sd.gov/medicaid or call 1-888-828-0059.
  2. Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed professional.
  3. Find a South Dakota Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider using FindABA.
  4. Prior authorization may be required — your provider will submit documentation.
  5. Services begin at no cost to you.

South Dakota resources

Find South Dakota ABA providers that accept Medicaid

FindABA lists ABA providers in South Dakota showing accepted insurance plans including SD Medicaid and commercial insurers.

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