State guide

Georgia

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

Georgia overview

Georgia's Division of Developmental Disabilities within DBHDD administers the COMP (Community Opportunity and Medically Dependent Children Program) and New Options waivers. Apply through DBHDD — waitlists are long. The Georgia Parent Support Network (GPSN) and Parent to Parent of Georgia provide navigation support; GPSN also serves as part of Georgia's PTI network. The Autism Society of Georgia and Marcus Autism Center (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) are major regional resources. Georgia has a strong network of Babies Can't Wait providers for early intervention.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

NOW and COMP Waivers (DBHDD)

Typical wait: varies — contact DBHDD regional office

Apply through your DBHDD regional office the day of diagnosis — waitlists open and close; earlier application means earlier access.

Georgia has two waivers: New Options (NOW) for higher support needs and Comprehensive Supports (COMP). Contact DBHDD to determine which applies.

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 Georgia.

Georgia requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

SB 169 · effective 2015

No age capNo dollar capDiagnosis required

Originally limited to age 6 with a $35,000/year cap; subsequent updates expanded coverage. Requires autism diagnosis and a licensed BCBA. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt — verify 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 Georgia.

NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver)

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Currently closed

Typical wait time

NOW: 3-5 years; COMP: 5-10+ years

Coverage highlights

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

Georgia has two main waivers: NOW covers lower-intensity community supports with a shorter wait, while COMP provides more comprehensive residential and day supports with a significantly longer wait. Both require getting on a registry first. Families with the most urgent needs may receive priority consideration.

How to apply

Apply online →404-657-2252

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Georgia.

Georgia Families 360°

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit dch.georgia.gov/medicaid or call 1-888-GA-ENROLL (1-888-423-6765). Your plan name is listed on your Georgia Medicaid card.

Major plans in this state

  • Amerigroup Georgia
  • CareSource Georgia
  • Peach State Health Management (Centene)
  • WellCare of Georgia

Georgia Families 360° is the managed care program for Georgia Medicaid. ABA therapy is covered under EPSDT for children under 21. Families choose from multiple plans statewide. Prior authorization is required, and each plan has its own network of ABA providers — call your plan to confirm which providers are in-network in your area.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

159 counties