Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Medicaid covers Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, for eligible children through the managed care program. If your child already receives Medicaid benefits, he or she will need a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE) from a Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider. Learn more about the CDE and enrolling with an ABA provider. If your child does not receive Medicaid benefits, you can apply for coverage at MyMedicaid.la.gov.

If you are a Medicaid member, your managed care organization (MCO) can help you find a provider to do a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation for you. Click here for MCO contact information. If you are not able to locate a provider through your MCO, call LDH directly at 1-888-758-2220.

If you are unable to find a Personal Care Services (PCS) provider, an Extended Home Health provider, or you have an authorization for services but are not receiving them, please notify your medical provider or your support coordinator, if you have one. You may also call toll-free 1-888-758-2220 for assistance finding a provider. LDH will take all reasonable steps to find a willing and able provider within ten days. If you are a member of an MCO for your child’s physical health needs, you may also contact your health plan for assistance at the phone number on the back of your health plan ID card.

Covered services can be provided in a combination of settings, depending on the child’s needs. Medicaid will cover services rendered by a provider outside of your child’s school with prior authorization. The covered services do not need to be part of the school’s written plan of care. Your medical provider or your support coordinator, if you have one, can help you get prior authorization. If you do not have a support coordinator, you can also contact your MCO for assistance.

Audiological Services (available in Rehabilitation Clinic and Hospital-Outpatient settings only), Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy may be provided in addition to services provided by Early Steps/EICs or School Boards if medically necessary.

You can find a qualified healthcare provider by contacting

1. your managed care organization (MCO), if your child receives all of their Medicaid benefits through an MCO
2. LDH directly at 1-888-758-2220, or
3. the Medicaid Specialty Care Help Desk at 1-877-455-9955

If your child does not receive all Medicaid benefits from a MCO, they are enrolled in fee-for-service or legacy Medicaid.  A list of available fee-for-service providers is available at https://www.lamedicaid.com/apps/provider_demographics/provider_map.aspx.