ABA Therapy Centers in Idaho

Medicaid Behavioral Intervention under CHIS

Children's Habilitation Intervention Services covers Medicaid members from birth through the month of their 21st birthday who show a need for intervention. Behavioral Intervention is one of its four services. Health and Welfare says families often call Behavioral Intervention and the older Behavioral Modification and Consultation services ABA. Providers bill Gainwell Technologies and request prior authorization from Telligen, so ask any agency whether it holds both.

• Services come from a Developmental Disabilities Agency or an Independent Provider.
• Other CHIS services: Habilitative Skill, Interdisciplinary Training, Crisis Intervention.
• Since December 1, 2025, Magellan Healthcare no longer manages this benefit.

Bulletin 18-02 and private insurance

Idaho sets its autism insurance rule through Department of Insurance Bulletin 18-02, issued April 2, 2018. It treats an autism exclusion as discriminatory when a plan covers occupational or speech therapy. Coverage must match other mental health benefits and carry no separate dollar or visit limits. A licensed physician or psychologist must prescribe the care, and the plan may still review medical necessity. Ask HR whether your employer plan is insured or self-funded.

• Applies to individual, small group and large group insured plans.
• Plan years starting on or after January 1, 2019.

Katie Beckett and the Children's Developmental Disabilities Program

Katie Beckett is a Medicaid route for children at home with long-term disabilities, and autism is one of the qualifying conditions. A family with income above Medicaid guidelines can still qualify, and the state assesses a charge based on income. Your child must be approved for Medicaid before applying to the Children's Developmental Disabilities Program. Call 208-334-6500 or 877-333-9681 for an application, then an independent assessor decides eligibility and a case manager builds the service plan.

• Support services under the 1915(i) state plan option: respite, community-based supports, family education, family-directed services.
• Families can run services themselves through the Family Directed option.

Infant Toddler Program from birth to three

Idaho's Infant Toddler Program serves children from birth to age three who have a developmental delay or a condition likely to cause one. Services cost families nothing. A parent can apply directly or a health care provider can refer, using the online referral form or itpreferral@dhw.idaho.gov. An eligible child gets an Individualized Family Service Plan, reviewed every six months.

Who can deliver ABA in Idaho

Idaho does not appear on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's list of states that require licensure, so no state board issues a behavior analyst license here. Medicaid sets its own rules for who delivers Behavioral Intervention: a Developmental Disabilities Agency or an Independent Provider must enroll. Ask for the supervising analyst's BACB certification and the agency's Medicaid enrollment.