State guide

Connecticut

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

Connecticut overview

Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services (DDS) administers Medicaid waiver services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Contact DDS directly for eligibility determination and waiver applications. The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is the state's PTI — free help with IEPs and special education disputes. Connecticut's Birth-to-Three program provides early intervention services; contact info is at birth23.org. The Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC) offers family support and navigation.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Connecticut DDS Comprehensive and Residential Supports Waivers

Typical wait: varies — often 5–15 years for residential supports; apply early

Apply through Connecticut DDS the day of diagnosis — DDS manages multiple waiver types including Comprehensive, Residential Supports, and Individual and Family Support waivers.

Connecticut was the first state to mandate insurance coverage for autism therapy. Apply for DDS waiver eligibility early — the waitlist for residential services is long.

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 Connecticut.

Connecticut requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

PA 09-115 · effective 2009

Through age 15$72,000/year capDiagnosis required

Covers ABA through age 15 with a $72,000/year cap. This is a relatively limited mandate — families with older children or high therapy needs may hit the cap. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt.

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 Connecticut.

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Waiver

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Varies

Typical wait time

2-5 years depending on service type and need level

Coverage highlights

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

Connecticut DDS provides a continuum of services including Family Support Subsidies that offer smaller financial support while families wait for full waiver services. Autism is a qualifying diagnosis. Contact your regional DDS office to begin the eligibility determination process.

How to apply

Apply online →860-418-6000

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Connecticut.

HUSKY Health

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit huskyhealth.com or call 1-877-CT-HUSKY (1-877-284-8759). Your managed care plan name is printed on your HUSKY health card.

Major plans in this state

  • Aetna Better Health of Connecticut
  • Anthem Health Plans of Connecticut (BCBS)
  • Molina Healthcare of Connecticut
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Connecticut's HUSKY Health (Medicaid) covers ABA therapy for children under 21 through four managed care plans. Families choose a plan during enrollment or are auto-assigned. Prior authorization is required and must be submitted by an enrolled ABA provider. All four plans cover ABA as a medically necessary autism treatment.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.