ABA Therapy Centers in Iowa

Iowa Medicaid Behavioral Health Intervention Services

Iowa Medicaid lists applied behavior analysis under Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS), and EPSDT covers children up to age 21. Applied behavioral analysis needs prior authorization. Most children are enrolled in a managed care organization, and the plan's authorization staff approve the hours. Under the state plan, a board certified behavior analyst completes the functional behavior assessment, and registered behavior technicians deliver skills training under BCBA supervision.

• Iowa Total Care: 1-833-404-1061.
• Molina Healthcare of Iowa: 1-844-236-0894.
• Wellpoint Iowa: 1-800-600-4441.
• Iowa Medicaid Member Services: 1-800-338-8366.

Iowa Code 514C.31 and the Autism Support Program

Iowa Code 514C.31 requires ABA coverage in group plans issued to employers with more than 50 full-time-equivalent employees, and in public employee plans other than the state plan. The treatment plan comes from a physician or psychologist, and the insurer can review it every three months in year one, then every six months. The statute sets no age or dollar cap, but deductibles, copays and prior authorization still apply. Self-funded employer plans fall under ERISA instead. Children under 14 with no Medicaid or private ABA benefit can apply to the Autism Support Program, which has an income limit of 500 percent of the federal poverty level.

HCBS waivers and the new HOME waivers

Iowa's Medicaid waivers pay for home supports that ABA does not, such as respite. The Children's Mental Health waiver serves children up to age 18 with a serious emotional disturbance diagnosis, and the Intellectual Disability waiver serves people with an intellectual disability. Iowa HHS is replacing the diagnosis-based waivers with a Children and Youth waiver for birth through age 20. Members of the Children's Mental Health and Health and Disability waivers move in October 2026, and current members do not reapply. The new waivers add to EPSDT services and do not replace them.

Early ACCESS from birth to age three

Early ACCESS is Iowa's early intervention system for infants and toddlers with a developmental delay or a health condition that can affect development. Service coordination, evaluations and services cost families nothing. The Department of Education is the lead agency, and nine area education agency regions run it locally. To refer a child, call 1-888-IAKIDS1 (1-888-425-4371), email, or use the online referral form.

Who can deliver ABA in Iowa

The Board of Behavioral Health Professionals licenses behavior analysts under Iowa Code chapter 154D. A license requires current BACB certification, and an assistant behavior analyst also needs ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst. Behavior technicians do not need their own license when they work under the authority of a licensed analyst. Ask any provider for the supervising analyst's Iowa license number.