State guide

Indiana

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

Indiana overview

Indiana's Bureau of Developmental Disability Services (BDDS) administers Medicaid waiver services — apply through your local BDDS office and get on the waiver list immediately. Early intervention (ages 0–3) is through First Steps. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University is one of the country's leading autism-specific resource centers, offering free consultation and training to families statewide. IN*SOURCE is Indiana's PTI center. The Autism Society of Indiana provides community connection and family support.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Indiana BDDS Medicaid Waiver

Typical wait: varies — Indiana has significant waits in many areas

Apply through Indiana BDDS (Bureau of Developmental Disability Services) the day of diagnosis — the earlier you apply, the earlier your clock starts.

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)

IN*SOURCE

(800) 332-4433

Federally funded — free help with IEPs, evaluations, and special ed rights.

Early Intervention (Birth to 3)

Indiana First Steps (FSSA)

(800) 441-7837

Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Indiana.

Indiana requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

IC 27-8-14.2 · effective 2001

Through age 16No dollar capDiagnosis required

One of the earliest state mandates (2001), amended in 2014. Covers ABA through age 16 with no dollar cap. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are 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 Indiana.

Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver / Family Supports Waiver (FSW)

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS)

Currently closed

Typical wait time

FSW: 3-5 years; CIH: 5-8 years

Coverage highlights

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

Indiana has two main waiver tracks: the Family Supports Waiver (FSW) for those living at home with a lower support budget, and the CIH Waiver for higher-level residential and community supports. Families can be on both waitlists simultaneously. The FSW is typically more accessible but provides less comprehensive funding.

How to apply

Apply online →800-545-7763

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Indiana.

Indiana Medicaid Managed Care (Hoosier Healthwise / Hoosier Care Connect)

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit in.gov/medicaid or call 1-800-403-0864. Your plan name is on your Indiana Medicaid ID card.

Major plans in this state

  • CareSource Indiana
  • Managed Health Services (Centene)
  • MDwise

Indiana Medicaid uses managed care through Hoosier Healthwise (children/families) and Hoosier Care Connect (individuals with disabilities). ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Prior authorization is required. Contact your plan's member services to find in-network ABA providers.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

92 counties