State guide
Hawaii
Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Hawaii. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.
Hawaii overview
Hawaii's Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) within the Department of Health administers Medicaid waiver services. Hawaii's geographic isolation creates provider shortages, especially on neighbor islands — families on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island often have more limited access. The Hawaii Department of Education has its own special education intake process. GPAT (the Hawaii Parent Training and Information Center) provides free IEP support. The Autism Society Hawaii and University of Hawaii's Center on Disability Studies are key local resources.
Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.
⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist
Hawaii Medicaid HCBS Waiver — Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Typical wait: varies — waitlists exist; apply the day of diagnosis
Apply through Hawaii Health Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) the day of diagnosis — DDD manages HCBS waiver intake and DD services statewide.
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)
AWARE Hawaii(808) 536-9684
Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.
Early Intervention (Birth to 3)
Hawaii Early Intervention Section (DOH)(808) 594-0059
Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.
Medicaid / HCBS Waiver
Hawaii Medicaid HCBS Waiver (Med-QUEST)State waiver program for home and community-based services. Apply the day of diagnosis.
State Autism Organization
Autism Society of HawaiiState-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.
Insurance Coverage
Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Hawaii.
Hawaii requires insurance to cover ABA therapy
SB 1787 · effective 2015
Covers ABA through age 10 with no dollar cap — but the age limit is one of the lowest in the country. Families with older children should explore Hawaii Medicaid (Med-QUEST) for continued coverage.
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 Hawaii.
Hawaii HCBS Waiver for Adults with ID/DD
Hawaii Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)
Typical wait time
3-7 years
Coverage highlights
- ✓Respite
- ✓Supported Living
- ✗Therapy
- ✓Employment Supports
Hawaii's DDD waiver has historically had significant waitlists due to limited federal matching funds and high cost of living. Families should contact DDD early to register and explore interim support options. Hawaii also provides some family support services while waiting for a full waiver slot.
How to apply
Medicaid Managed Care
How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Hawaii.
Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)
Covers ABA through under 21How to find your plan
Visit med-quest.hawaii.gov or call 1-800-316-8005. Your MCO plan name is on your Med-QUEST card.
Major plans in this state
- AlohaCare
- HMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association)
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan
- Ohana Health Plan (WellCare)
Hawaii's Med-QUEST program provides Medicaid coverage through managed care plans. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Hawaii has limited ABA providers due to geographic constraints — contact your plan early to identify available providers, especially on neighbor islands.
⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.