State guide

Louisiana

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

Louisiana overview

Louisiana's Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) administers the New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) and Supports Waiver. Apply through your regional Human Services Authority (HSA) — waitlists are significant and the clock starts at application. For early intervention, Louisiana's Early Steps program is the first contact for children under three. Families Helping Families is a statewide network of parent-run centers that provide navigation support and also functions within the PTI network. The Autism Society of Greater Baton Rouge and FEAT of Louisiana provide community connection.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Louisiana NOW and Supports Waivers (OCDD)

Typical wait: varies — long waitlists; apply the day of diagnosis

Apply through Louisiana OCDD (Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities) the day of diagnosis — OCDD manages both the New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) and Supports Waiver.

Louisiana's NOW waiver is a comprehensive HCBS waiver; the Supports Waiver serves individuals with less intensive needs.

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)

Project PROMPT

(504) 888-9111

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

Early Intervention (Birth to 3)

Louisiana Early Steps

(800) 922-5151

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

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Louisiana.

Louisiana requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

Act 648 · effective 2008

Through age 17$144,000/year capDiagnosis required

Covers ABA through age 17 with a $144,000/year lifetime cap. Requires autism diagnosis and a licensed BCBA. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are exempt — verify plan type with HR before appealing a denial.

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 Louisiana.

NOW (New Opportunities Waiver)

Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)

Currently closed

Typical wait time

7-10+ years

Coverage highlights

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

Louisiana's NOW waiver is one of the most comprehensive in the South but has one of the longest waitlists in the country at 7-10+ years. Families should register with OCDD immediately and ask about the Monitored In-Home Caregiving (MIHC) program and other bridge supports available while waiting. The Children's Choice Medicaid Waiver may be available for some children.

How to apply

Apply online →225-342-0095

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Louisiana.

Louisiana Medicaid Managed Care

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit ldh.la.gov/medicaid or call 1-888-342-6207. Your managed care plan name is on your Louisiana Medicaid ID card.

Major plans in this state

  • Aetna Better Health of Louisiana
  • AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana
  • Humana Healthy Horizons of Louisiana
  • Molina Healthcare of Louisiana

Louisiana Medicaid uses managed care organizations statewide. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Prior authorization is required by all plans. Louisiana has a strong provider network in major cities but rural families may face longer wait times for ABA services.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

64 counties