State guide
Arizona
Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Arizona. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.
Arizona overview
Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) administers the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) — notably, Arizona's ALTCS Medicaid waiver moves faster than most states and does not have a traditional waitlist for eligible individuals. Apply through DDD and DES. The Arizona Parent Information Network (AzPIN) is the state's PTI center. The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) in Phoenix is one of the country's leading regional autism-specific resources for evaluation, therapy, and family support.
Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.
⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) HCBS Waivers
Typical wait: varies by support level
Apply through DDD the day of diagnosis — Arizona's DDD determines eligibility and manages waiver enrollment.
Apply or learn more →Statewide resources
These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.
Parent Training & Information (PTI)
Raising Special Kids(602) 242-4366
Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.
Early Intervention (Birth to 3)
Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)(602) 532-9960
Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.
Medicaid / HCBS Waiver
Arizona AHCCCS HCBS WaiversState waiver program for home and community-based services. Apply the day of diagnosis.
State Autism Organization
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix / AZState-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.
Insurance Coverage
Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Arizona.
Arizona requires insurance to cover ABA therapy
HB 2847 · effective 2008
Covers ABA through age 16 with a $50,000/year cap — one of the weaker mandates in the country. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are exempt, so check with HR whether your plan is state-regulated or self-funded.
Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are typically exempt — ask your HR department which type of plan you have.
Medicaid Waiver
Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Arizona.
DDD ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)
Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Typical wait time
Varies — ALTCS is generally faster to access than most states; often 6-18 months
Coverage highlights
- ✓Respite
- ✓Supported Living
- ✓Therapy
- ✓Employment Supports
Arizona integrated autism into its ALTCS system, which typically provides faster access than traditional waiver waitlists in other states. Eligibility is determined through a functional needs assessment. Arizona also offers an Autism Benefit through its Medicaid program for children under 21.
How to apply
Medicaid Managed Care
How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Arizona.
AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System)
Covers ABA through under 21 (epsdt); altcs for qualifying adultsHow to find your plan
Visit healthearizonaplus.gov or call 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587). Your plan name is on your AHCCCS ID card.
Major plans in this state
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
- Mercy Care
- Banner University Family Care
- Health Choice
AHCCCS uses regional managed care plans; your plan depends on your county of residence. ABA therapy is covered under EPSDT for children under 21 and through ALTCS (Long-Term Care) for eligible adults with autism. Always verify your specific plan's prior authorization requirements before starting services.
⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.