State guide

Minnesota

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

Minnesota overview

Minnesota's Department of Human Services Disability Services Division administers HCBS waivers including the CAC, CADI, and DD waivers — contact your county or Managed Care Organization (MCO) to begin the waiver process. Minnesota's county-based system means access varies by county. PACER Center in Bloomington is Minnesota's PTI center and one of the most widely recognized parent advocacy organizations in the country — their resources are used nationally. The Autism Society of Minnesota and Fraser provide statewide family and clinical support.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

HCBS Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DHS)

Typical wait: varies — some waivers have shorter waits than others

Apply through your county's social services department the day of diagnosis — Minnesota manages waiver intake at the county level.

Minnesota has multiple HCBS waivers (DD, CADI, Brain Injury). Your county social services office will help determine eligibility.

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)

PACER Center

(952) 838-9000

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

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Minnesota.

Minnesota requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

2013 Autism Insurance Reform Law · effective 2013

Through age 18No dollar capDiagnosis required

Covers ABA for commercial plans through age 18 with no dollar cap. Requires autism diagnosis and a licensed BCBA. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt — verify your employer's plan type before appealing.

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 Minnesota.

Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver / CADI Waiver

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), Disability Services Division

Varies

Typical wait time

Varies significantly by county and waiver type — some areas 3-7 years

Coverage highlights

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

Minnesota has four HCBS waiver programs: DD Waiver, CADI (Community Alternative Care), BI (Brain Injury), and CAC (Community Alternative Care). The DD Waiver is most relevant for autism families and is administered at the county level, so waitlists and processes vary widely. Contact your county's health and human services department to begin the process.

How to apply

Apply online →651-431-2300

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Minnesota.

Minnesota Health Care Programs (Medical Assistance)

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit mn.gov/dhs/medicaid or call MNsure at 1-855-366-7873. Your plan name is on your Minnesota Health Care Programs ID card.

Major plans in this state

  • Blue Plus (Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN)
  • HealthPartners
  • Hennepin Health
  • Medica Health Plans

Minnesota's Medical Assistance (Medicaid) uses managed care plans with options varying by county. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Some counties are fee-for-service. Prior authorization is required; contact your plan's behavioral health department for in-network ABA provider lists.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

87 counties