Due to the government shutdown, updates to information on this website may be limited or delayed. State Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) continue to operate. Continue to work with the programs in your state to access coverage. For more information about government operating status, visit OPM.gov.

Has CMS mandated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children under 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

No. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one treatment modality for ASD. CMS is not endorsing or requiring any particular treatment modality for ASD. State Medicaid agencies are responsible for determining what services are medically necessary for eligible individuals. States are expected to adhere to long-standing EPSDT obligations for individuals from birth to age 21, including providing medically necessary services available for the treatment of ASD.