Alpaca Health FAQs: IHSS, Medicaid, and Autism Services
Alpaca Health FAQs: IHSS, Medicaid, and Autism Services
Does Texas have an IHSS autism program?
No, Texas does not have an IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) autism program. IHSS is a California-specific program that pays family caregivers to provide in-home support for people with disabilities, including autistic children and adults.
Although Texas does not offer IHSS, families can still access paid family caregiving and autism-related supports through a combination of Medicaid programs, waivers, and therapy services.
Texas’s IHSS Alternatives: Paid Family Caregiving Programs
Instead of IHSS, Texas families often rely on the following Medicaid-funded options:
- Consumer Directed Services (CDS), which allows families to hire and manage their own caregivers, including parents in some cases Texas Health and Human Services – Consumer Directed Services
- Community First Choice (CFC), a Medicaid benefit that covers in-home personal care and support services Texas Health and Human Services – Community First Choice
- Medicaid Waivers, including CLASS, HCS, MDCP, and STAR+PLUS, which may provide long-term services and supports Navigate Life Texas – Medicaid Waiver Programs
Families can also explore broader funding options in Alpaca Health’s guide to Texas autism grants and financial resources and review how insurance works in Texas Medicaid coverage for ABA therapy.
Children’s Autism Program (CAP): ABA Therapy Support in Texas
Texas also offers the Children’s Autism Program (CAP). It is important to understand what this program does and does not cover.
CAP is not a personal care or paid caregiving program. It specifically provides:
- ABA therapy
- Parent training
- Related autism-specific supports
CAP is limited to 180 hours per year and 720 hours over a lifetime, which means many families need additional services beyond what CAP alone can offer.
Families can learn more about autism services available statewide through Alpaca Health – Texas autism resources or directly from Texas Health and Human Services – Children’s Autism Program.
Next Steps for Texas Families Seeking Autism Support
Families exploring paid caregiving or autism services in Texas often start with these steps:
- Call 2-1-1 Texas – Information and Referral Services to explore Medicaid waiver eligibility
- Contact their local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) for functional assessments
- Explore ABA therapy options while navigating state programs
Accessing ABA Therapy in Texas Without the Wait
Many Texas state programs have long waitlists, and CAP’s limited hours may not meet every family’s needs.
Alpaca Health helps families connect with ABA providers in days rather than months, while supporting individualized, neurodiversity-affirming care.
Accepted Texas plans include BCBS Texas, Aetna, Curative, ChampVA, TriCare West, Cigna, and Texas Medicaid. View accepted insurance plans here.
Care options include:
- In-home ABA therapy
- In-clinic ABA therapy
- ABA therapy in daycare or school settings
- Virtual ABA therapy
Families can get started here:
Start an ABA intake with Alpaca Health
Does Colorado have an IHSS autism program?
Yes, Colorado offers In-Home Support Services (IHSS) for children and adults with autism who meet Medicaid eligibility criteria. IHSS in Colorado is available through the Community First Choice (CFC) program.
This Medicaid-funded option allows eligible family members, including parents in many cases, to be paid for providing in-home care while supporting daily living needs.
How IHSS Works in Colorado for Families with Autism
Through Colorado’s CFC option, IHSS may include:
- Eligibility based on Medicaid enrollment and functional need
- Paid family caregiving, including parents in many cases
- Personal care and daily living supports
- Services coordinated through a Case Management Agency (CMA)
Families can learn more through the Colorado Medicaid Buy-In guide and the Colorado Community First Choice (CFC) overview.
Additional state resources include:
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing – IHSS
- Community First Choice Program – Colorado HCPF
- Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Children’s Extensive Support (CES) Waiver for Autism in Colorado
Many families access IHSS through the Children’s Extensive Support (CES) waiver.
The CES waiver supports children with developmental disabilities, including autism, who require higher levels of ongoing care.
Families can learn more through:
- Your guide to Medicaid waivers in Colorado
- How to access Colorado Medicaid through Buy-In programs and waivers
- Colorado HCPF – CES Waiver
- How to get paid as a Family Caregiver in Colorado
The Challenge: ABA Therapy Coverage in Colorado
While IHSS supports daily care, access to specialized autism services like ABA therapy can still be limited.
Many families pursue both IHSS for caregiving and ABA therapy for skill-building and behavioral support.
Alpaca Health – Colorado autism resources
Next Steps for Colorado Families Seeking IHSS and Autism Support
- Contact your local Case Management Agency
Find your local Case Management Agency - Families exploring ABA therapy can complete an individualized intake with Alpaca Health
Accessing ABA Therapy in Colorado Without the Wait
Alpaca Health connects families with ABA providers in days rather than months.
Accepted plans include TriCare West, ChampVA, Aetna, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, and Health First Colorado Medicaid.
View accepted insurance plans
Care options include:
- In-home ABA therapy
- In-clinic ABA therapy
- ABA therapy in daycare or school settings
- Virtual ABA therapy
Get started here:
Begin an ABA intake with Alpaca Health
Can an LPC diagnose autism in Texas?
No, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) cannot provide an official autism diagnosis in Texas. A formal autism diagnosis must come from a qualified specialist.
What LPCs Can Do for Autism in Texas
Although LPCs cannot diagnose autism, they may:
- Screen for developmental or behavioral concerns
- Recognize autistic traits
- Refer families to qualified diagnosticians
- Support families during the evaluation process
Who Can Officially Diagnose Autism in Texas?
More guidance is available here: Where to get diagnosed with autism
Authoritative references include:
- TMHP clarification on autism diagnostic providers
- Texas Insurance Code § 1355.015
- Autism screening and diagnosis clinical guideline (AAP / Texas Children’s PDF)
The Autism Diagnostic Process in Texas
Helpful resources include:
Getting ABA Therapy After Diagnosis
Accepted plans and care settings are available here: View accepted insurance plans
Families can also begin intake while waiting for a formal evaluation: Start an ABA intake with Alpaca Health
High Quality, Local ABA
If you are ready to partner with a local BCBA and receive the highest quality of care, reach out today!
