State guide

Mississippi

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

Mississippi overview

Mississippi's Department of Mental Health Division of Intellectual Disabilities (DMID) administers Medicaid HCBS waiver services. Mississippi's waiver waitlists are long — apply as early as possible. For early intervention, contact First Steps Mississippi. MPACT (Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center) provides free IEP and special education support. Mississippi has fewer urban autism-specific clinical resources than many states — the University of Mississippi Medical Center is the primary academic center, and telehealth has expanded access in rural areas. The Autism Society of Mississippi provides community connection.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Mississippi Medicaid HCBS Waiver — Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DMH)

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

Apply through Mississippi DMH (Department of Mental Health) the day of diagnosis — DMH manages IDD waiver intake and community supports statewide.

Apply or learn more →

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 Mississippi.

No state ABA insurance mandate

No state private insurance mandate. Mississippi Medicaid covers ABA for children under 21. Families with private insurance can request medical necessity review and cite the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

Medicaid Waiver

Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Mississippi.

Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Waiver

Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), Division of Intellectual Disabilities

Currently closed

Typical wait time

3-7 years

Coverage highlights

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

Mississippi's ID/DD waiver has historically been significantly underfunded, resulting in limited slots and long waitlists. Register with DMH's Division of Intellectual Disabilities as early as possible. Mississippi also has an Autism Medicaid benefit for children through its EPSDT program — speak with your Medicaid case manager about ABA therapy coverage.

How to apply

Apply online →601-359-1288

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Mississippi.

Mississippi Medicaid

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Call 1-800-421-2408 or visit medicaid.ms.gov. Mississippi uses fee-for-service so most families do not have a separate managed care plan.

Major plans in this state

  • Mississippi Medicaid (Fee-for-Service)

Mississippi Medicaid operates primarily fee-for-service. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Provider availability for ABA services can be limited in rural areas. Contact the Medicaid helpline to get a list of enrolled ABA providers in your area.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

81 counties