ABA Insurance Coverage in California

If you’re considering ABA Therapy for your child, you’re probably wondering the same thing as every other parent:

Will my insurance cover it?

ABA can become really expensive, especially if it’s required over a long period of time. It’s probably not something you’ve budgeted for when planning your future, so having to foot the bill may set you back quite substantially. 

So it would help if your insurance company could lend a hand, right? Absolutely. And if you’re wondering what different insurance companies provide ABA Insurance Coverage in California, here is a little insight:

Anthem Blue Cross 

While offering preventative care, virtual care and pharmacy coverage, Anthem also supports their members with comprehensive behavioral health treatments. In certain situations, ABA Therapy is approved for up to 40 hours a week, and they’ll cover the cost of the first session. But Anthem will not cover ABA treatment services until the pre-approval review procedure has been completed and approved. For ABA services, a Competency Based Assessment (CBA) prior authorization is necessary. A referral and diagnosis signed by a medical doctor is also required for the first request for ABA therapy.

Magellan 

Magellan has actually developed an autism solution that moves beyond traditional care. By combining their expertise in the care of children diagnosed with autism with targeted efforts to engage and serve caregivers on their journey, they ensure everyone impacted receives the care, guidance and support they need through an array of services:

• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
• Individualized care planning
• Enhanced care coordination
• Intensive caregiver support
• Proprietary decision support system
• Fully credentialed provider network
• Clinical excellence

Through Magellan Autism Connections, families can receive assistance from a trusted resource that will help them navigate the complex health care system, gain access to quality providers and receive full support within their communities.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

The following are some common autism benefits covered by Blue Cross:

• ABA therapy
• Occupational, speech and physical therapy
• Nutritional counseling

Depending on your plan, services could be fully or partially covered. As the member, a request for ABA services must be reported to Blue Cross Blue Shield by your providers on your behalf. The first step in the pre-authorization procedure will be to confirm if:

• Your child has been diagnosed with autism by a certified diagnostician.
• The provider is qualified to provide adequate ABA services.
• The member has ABA benefit coverage.
• The therapy plan meets medical necessity.

So yes, ABA therapy is covered under most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for children under the age of 18, and they can assist you in finding an in-network provider who matches your child’s requirements.

These are just some of the insurance companies that provide ABA Insurance Coverage in California who can assist you. But like any health insurance, choosing the right one (and the right plan) really depends on you and your family’s needs, and choosing the right provider requires the same thing.

Taskids currently serves four counties in Southern California, providing a spectrum of evidence-based therapy solutions individualized to meet the unique needs of your child and family. We support and place caregivers at the forefront of their child’s treatment to make long-term meaningful changes.

Contact us today to find out more information about our ABA services.

About Taskids California

As the leading ABA provider in four California counties, we provide individualized treatment plans using a spectrum of scientifically validated therapies. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of our patients. We help children and adolescents with Autism and other Developmental Delays reach their goals.