State guide

California

Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in California. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.

California overview

California operates the most expansive publicly funded developmental disabilities system in the country: 21 Regional Centers statewide provide services from birth through the end of life under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. Find your Regional Center at dds.ca.gov — services are an entitlement, not a waitlist system. The Matrix Parent Network and DREDF provide advocacy support. For school-specific issues, contact the Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE) or your county's SELPA.

Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Regional Center Home and Community-Based Services

Typical wait: Varies by Regional Center — contact yours

Contact your Regional Center immediately after diagnosis — they determine eligibility and manage the waitlist.

Apply or learn more →

Statewide resources

These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in California.

California requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

SB 946 · effective 2011

No age capNo dollar capDiagnosis required

One of the strongest mandates in the country — no age cap and no dollar cap. Requires autism diagnosis and treatment by a licensed BCBA. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are still exempt; confirm your plan type with HR.

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 California.

Regional Center Services (Lanterman Act)

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) — Regional Centers

Open

Typical wait time

No traditional waitlist — eligibility-based, though individual services vary by Regional Center

Coverage highlights

  • ✓Respite
  • ✓Supported Living
  • ✓Therapy
  • ✓Employment Supports

California's Regional Center system is unique — it is not technically a Medicaid waiver but functions similarly and has no income or asset limits. There are 21 Regional Centers statewide; once eligible, families receive an Individual Program Plan (IPP) and access services based on need. Autism is a qualifying diagnosis at any age.

How to apply

Apply online →916-654-1897

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in California.

Medi-Cal Managed Care

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit medi-cal.ca.gov or call 1-800-541-5555. Your plan name is on the front of your Medi-Cal BIC (Benefits Identification Card). You can also use the Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan Finder online.

Major plans in this state

  • LA Care Health Plan
  • Blue Shield Promise Health Plan
  • Molina Healthcare of California
  • Health Net

Medi-Cal uses county-based managed care plans, so your plan depends on where you live. ABA therapy is covered under EPSDT for children under 21 as medically necessary treatment for autism. Prior authorization is always required — ask your ABA provider to submit the auth request with your plan directly.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.