State guide

Massachusetts

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

Massachusetts overview

Massachusetts's Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services across the lifespan — contact your regional DDS office to begin the eligibility process. The Adult Supports and Individual Supports waivers are the main Medicaid vehicles, but adult waiver capacity is limited. For school-age children, special education in Massachusetts is robust — the state has strong procedural protections. The Federation for Children with Special Needs is Massachusetts's PTI center and one of the most well-resourced in the country. Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's are major evaluation and research centers.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

DDS Children's Autism Waiver, and adult DDS supports

Typical wait: Children's Autism Waiver opens only in limited request periods

The Children's Autism Waiver does not take applications year-round. It opens for a limited request period, and if you miss the window you wait for the next one — so watch for it rather than assuming you can apply when ready.

Birth through age 8 only. A child who turns 9 is no longer eligible, whatever the waiting position.

Apply or learn more →Compare all 50 states

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 Massachusetts.

Massachusetts requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

Chapter 303 · effective 2011

Through age 21No dollar capDiagnosis required

Strong mandate covering ABA through age 21 with no dollar cap. Applies to most state-regulated plans. 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 Massachusetts.

Adult Supports Waiver / Shared Living Waiver

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Varies

Typical wait time

2-5 years (varies by region and waiver type)

Coverage highlights

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

Massachusetts DDS manages multiple waiver programs and a robust network of provider agencies. The Adult Supports Waiver is the primary vehicle for community living services. Families should also explore MassHealth's ABA benefits for children and the DDS Family Support Center grants available statewide.

How to apply

Apply online →617-727-5608

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Massachusetts.

MassHealth

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit mass.gov/masshealth or call 1-800-841-2900. Your plan name is on your MassHealth card.

Major plans in this state

  • Fallon Health (Fallon Total Care)
  • Tufts Health Together
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts

MassHealth covers ABA therapy for children under 21 through managed care plans. Massachusetts has a strong network of ABA providers due to the state's autism insurance mandate. Prior authorization is required; your ABA provider will typically handle the submission. MassHealth also covers some adults through waiver programs.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.