How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost?
A complete guide to ABA therapy costs, insurance coverage, and making therapy affordable for your family.
Quick Answer
ABA therapy costs $120-$250 per hour without insurance, or $0-$50 per session with insurance. Most families pay little to nothing out-of-pocket thanks to autism insurance mandates and Medicaid coverage.
Understanding ABA Therapy Costs
ABA therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for autism, but understanding the costs can be confusing. The good news: most families don't pay full price. Insurance coverage, Medicaid, and school-based services make ABA accessible for the majority of families.
ABA Therapy Cost Breakdown
Here's what ABA therapy typically costs before insurance:
Initial and ongoing assessments
Typically 10-20% of therapy hours
Bulk of therapy hours
Before insurance
Insurance Coverage for ABA Therapy
All 50 states now have autism insurance mandates, meaning health insurance companies must cover ABA therapy. In New Hampshire, the autism insurance law requires coverage for:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
- Behavioral health treatment for autism
- Assessment and diagnosis services
What Insurance Companies Cover ABA in NH
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield - Covers ABA with prior authorization
- Harvard Pilgrim - Covers ABA with medical necessity determination
- Cigna - Covers ABA therapy for autism
- Aetna - Covers ABA with approved treatment plan
- United Healthcare - Covers ABA therapy
- NH Medicaid - Full coverage for eligible children
NH Medicaid ABA Coverage
New Hampshire Medicaid fully covers ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. There are no copays or deductibles for Medicaid recipients.
We Accept NH Medicaid
Buzz ABA accepts NH Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Most families pay nothing out-of-pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ABA therapy cost per hour?
ABA therapy typically costs between $120-$250 per hour without insurance. Rates vary based on provider, location, and therapist credentials. BCBAs charge more than RBTs due to their advanced certification.
Does insurance cover ABA therapy?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover ABA therapy for autism. All 50 states have autism insurance mandates, and Medicaid covers ABA in every state. In New Hampshire, private insurance and NH Medicaid cover ABA therapy.
How can I afford ABA therapy without insurance?
Options include: state Medicaid programs, school-based services through an IEP, negotiating self-pay rates with providers, sliding scale fees, and grants from autism organizations.
Why is ABA therapy so expensive?
ABA requires highly trained professionals (BCBAs with master's degrees), is delivered 1:1 for many hours per week, requires extensive documentation, and involves ongoing assessment and treatment plan adjustments.
We'll Help You Understand Your Coverage
Not sure what your insurance covers? We offer free consultations and can help verify your benefits.