Does Health First Colorado Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy?

Navigating insurance for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy can feel overwhelming. At Alpaca Health, we simplify the process so you can focus on supporting your child. Our dedicated insurance specialists work directly with your provider to make sure everything runs smoothly from the start.

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Health First Colorado Medicaid
In-Network Provider

We Accept Health First Colorado Medicaid

Yes, Alpaca Health proudly accepts Health First Colorado Medicaid insurance for ABA therapy services. We're in-network with most Health First Colorado Medicaid plans, which means your family can access high-quality care with reduced out-of-pocket costs. We handle the billing and authorization paperwork, so you can focus on your child's progress.

How Health First Colorado Medicaid Coverage Works for ABA at Alpaca Health

Within 24 hours of you reaching out, we will share how your insurance covers ABA therapy – required documentation, typical timeline, and potential costs of therapy.

Referrals

Some Health First Colorado Medicaid plans require a referral from your pediatrician or primary care provider, while others allow direct access to ABA therapy.

Diagnosis

Network status and benefits can differ based on your state or region, even within the same insurance company.

Prior Authorization

Most plans require prior authorization and documentation of medical necessity before therapy begins. We handle this process for you.

Session limits and costs

Coverage limits, copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles vary by plan. Some plans offer unlimited sessions; others have annual caps.

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How Insurance Coverage Works for ABA at Alpaca Health

Understand Your Local Health First Colorado Medicaid Plan’s Coverage Benefits

Health First Colorado Medicaid operates under different names and labels across states and employer groups. You might see Health First Colorado Medicaid coverage listed as "Health First Colorado Medicaid HealthCare," "Health First Colorado Medicaid Behavioral Health," or combined with other brands like "Evernorth" depending on your location and employer. The good news? We accept them all.

Important: Even if your plan card shows a different name, if Health First Colorado Medicaid is your insurance carrier, we can verify your benefits and get you started with ABA therapy services.

Health First Colorado Medicaid

Health First Colorado Medicaid

Colorado
  • Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  • Colorado Medicaid
  • Health First Colorado – Child & Family Coverage
  • Health First Colorado – EPSDT (Well-Child / ABA)
  • Health First Colorado Behavioral Health
  • Health First Colorado Managed Care Plan
  • Rocky Mountain Health Plans – Health First Colorado
  • Colorado Access – Health First Colorado
  • Kaiser Permanente – Health First Colorado
  • UnitedHealthcare – Health First Colorado
  • Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
  • Colorado Child Health Plan (CHP)
  • Medicaid Buy-In Program for Children with Disabilities
  • Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities
  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
  • HCBS Children’s Extensive Support (CES) Waiver
  • HCBS Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) Waiver
  • HCBS Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) Waiver
  • Colorado Youth Mental Health Treatment Act (CYMHTA)
  • Health First Colorado Autism / ABA Services
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Let us verify your Cigna benefits and confirm your eligibility for ABA therapy.
We'll explain your costs, network status, and help you get started.
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What ABA Services Does Health First Colorado Medicaid Cover?

Virtual ABA Therapy

Virtual ABA Therapy

Get flexible, high-quality autism care from home with virtual ABA therapy. Support your child’s progress through convenient, expert-led telehealth sessions

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In-Daycare ABA Therapy

In-Daycare ABA Therapy

Get personalized ABA therapy in your child’s daycare. Find in-daycare autism services that support social growth, routines, and peer interaction.

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In-Home ABA Therapy

In-Home ABA Therapy

Get compassionate, home-based ABA therapy for your child with autism. Find personalized support, flexible scheduling, and BCBA-led care that fits your fami

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In-Clinic ABA Therapy

In-Clinic ABA Therapy

Explore center-based ABA therapy in a structured clinic setting that supports focus and social growth. Get started with care that fits your child’s needs.

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In-Community ABA Therapy

In-Community ABA Therapy

Help your child apply ABA skills in everyday settings through in-community autism therapy, building independence, socialization, and real-world confidence.

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In-School ABA Therapy

In-School ABA Therapy

Access in-school ABA therapy designed to help children thrive socially and academically. See how school-based support makes a difference.

Read more

Find ABA Therapy Covered by Health First Colorado Medicaid Near You

Many insurance plans work across state lines, and we serve families nationwide. Select your state below to confirm network availability and learn about providers in your area. We'll verify your benefits and help you get started with personalized ABA therapy.

States We Serve

Explore our coverage areas and find providers near you

CO
Colorado
150+ Providers
TX
Texas
150+ Providers

Top Cities We Serve

Quick access to our most popular locations

Denver
Denver
Colorado
Colorado Springs
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Colorado
Fort Collins
Fort Collins
Colorado
Dallas
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Texas
Houston
Houston
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Austin
Austin
Texas
Pueblo
Pueblo
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Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs
Colorado
San Antonio
San Antonio
Texas

Get ABA Therapy Covered by Health First Colorado Medicaid with Alpaca Health

Alpaca Health completely handles the process of dealing with insurance, so you don’t have to. You’ll get quality ABA therapy, covered by Health First Colorado Medicaid

1. Tell Us About Your Child

Start by filling out our quick intake form. You’ll share some basic info, like your child’s age, availability, insurance details, and any diagnoses. This helps us understand your needs from the start.

2. We’ll Reach Out Within 24 Hours

Once you submit your form, our team will verify your insurance  and follow up within one business day to confirm everything’s  set. No long waits, no endless phone calls.

3. Get Matched to a Provider – Or Tell Us Who You’d Prefer

We’ll work with you to find a local provider in your area who  has availability now — not months from now. We’ll match you  with someone who fits your child’s needs and your family’s  schedule.

4. Start Care, Fast

We’ll introduce you directly to your provider, and they’ll take it  from there. Most families schedule their first meeting or  assessment within the same week.

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FAQs About Health First Colorado Medicaid ABA Therapy Coverage

Do we need a referral or diagnosis for ABA therapy to be covered by Health First Colorado Medicaid?

In most cases (with some exceptions, such as Colorado Medicaid), insurance plans require a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified provider—such as a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—before ABA therapy can be covered. Without this diagnosis, insurers typically do not consider ABA therapy medically necessary.

Does Health First Colorado Medicaid ABA therapy coverage require a prior authorization?

Almost always. Prior authorization means your insurance company must review and approve the treatment plan before services can start. Our team handles this process for you, submitting the necessary clinical documentation to ensure approval.

Do I need proof of medical necessity for ABA therapy to be covered by Health First Colorado Medicaid?

Yes. Insurance companies require documentation showing that ABA therapy is medically necessary for your child’s development. This is usually demonstrated through the diagnostic report and a treatment plan written by a BCBA outlining specific, measurable goals.

Does Health First Colorado Medicaid cover ABA therapy for all ages?

Health First Colorado Medicaid must approve all ABA therapy services that are medically necessary. This typically covers all ages from 0 to 21. However, ABA therapy services for older teens mean face higher payer scrutiny and require more documentation.

How long does it take for Health First Colorado Medicaid to approve ABA therapy?

Approval times vary by insurer, but typically range from 1–3 weeks after all documents are submitted. Delays can occur if additional information is requested. Our team stays in close contact with your insurance to help move the process along.

Are parent/caregiver training sessions covered by Health First Colorado Medicaid?

Yes, most plans include coverage for caregiver training as part of the ABA treatment program. These sessions are considered essential because progress is greatest when parents and caregivers are part of the learning process.

Does Health First Colorado Medicaid cover virtual ABA therapy?

Many insurers do cover telehealth ABA sessions, especially for parent training or supervision by a BCBA. Coverage may depend on your state and specific plan. We can confirm eligibility during your benefits check.

What if my Health First Colorado Medicaid plan doesn’t cover ABA therapy?

If your plan excludes ABA or limits coverage, we’ll walk you through alternatives—such as appealing the denial, switching to a plan with autism benefits, or exploring private pay or grant options. Some states also offer Medicaid or autism mandates that ensure ABA coverage.

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Insurance covers the majority of the costs of ABA therapy. Start today and get a clear cost estimate in 24 hours or less.
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