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Does Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy in Tennessee?

Published April 8, 2026

Yes — TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) covers ABA therapy for children and teens under 21 with an autism diagnosis. TennCare delivers services through managed care organizations, and Tennessee has a growing ABA provider network centered around Nashville and Memphis. Here's what you need to know.

Key takeaways

  • TennCare covers ABA for all children under 21 with autism
  • Delivered through managed care plans — BlueCare Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare, and Amerigroup
  • Tennessee's commercial insurance mandate covers children through age 11
  • Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville have the largest ABA provider networks
  • Adults may access services through the DIDD (Division of Intellectual Disabilities Services)

TennCare managed care plans

TennCare enrollees receive services through one of three managed care organizations. ABA therapy is covered under behavioral health benefits:

Tennessee's autism insurance mandate

Tennessee law requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover ABA therapy for children with autism through age 11. The mandate applies to diagnosis and treatment. Families with children on employer-sponsored insurance should check their specific plan, as self-insured plans are not covered by state law.

How to access ABA through TennCare

  1. Confirm your TennCare plan at tenncare.gov or call 1-800-342-3145.
  2. Get an autism diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, physician, or psychiatrist.
  3. Contact your TennCare plan for in-network ABA providers or use FindABA.
  4. Complete intake and prior authorization — typically 7–14 days for approval.
  5. Services begin at no cost to you.

Tennessee resources

Find Tennessee ABA providers that accept TennCare

FindABA lists ABA providers across Tennessee showing accepted plans including TennCare, BlueCare, and UnitedHealthcare.

Search Tennessee providers →