ABA Therapy

Arkansas Medicaid ABA Coverage in School Settings 

Arkansas Medicaid covers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Medicaid-eligible children with autism ages 18 months through 21 years under the EPSDT program. Services must be medically necessary, provided by a Medicaid-enrolled provider, and based on a physician’s referral and an assessment by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). While ABA is commonly delivered in clinics or homes, Medicaid may reimburse services provided in natural environments, including schools, when they support a child’s functional needs. ABA must be delivered according to an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP), which can align with a student’s IEP, and services are often coordinated through a PASSE. Children enrolled in the Autism Waiver are not eligible for this specific ABA benefit, as services are provided through the waiver instead. 

Useful ABA Therapy Links

• Billing Manual - Therapy Files

• DMS 641 Treatment Prescription

• DMS 641 Initial Evaluation Referral