State guide

Nevada

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

Nevada overview

Nevada's Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) administers Medicaid HCBS waiver services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Apply through ADSD as early as possible — Nevada's rapid population growth has strained the provider network. The Nevada Dual Sensory Impairment Project and ADSD regional offices are key contacts. Nevada PEP is the state's PTI center, offering free IEP and special education support. The Autism Coalition of Nevada and the University of Nevada's Nevada Autism Center provide family and clinical resources. Nevada mandates ABA coverage through private insurance.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

Nevada ADSD Medicaid Waiver — Intellectual Disabilities (ID)

Typical wait: varies — contact ADSD for current waitlist status

Apply through Nevada ADSD (Aging and Disability Services Division) the day of diagnosis — ADSD manages waiver intake and DD eligibility statewide.

Nevada's ID waiver covers home and community-based supports. Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have the largest service networks.

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)

Nevada PEP

(702) 388-8899

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

Medicaid / HCBS Waiver

Nevada ADSD HCBS Waiver

State waiver program for home and community-based services. Apply the day of diagnosis.

State Autism Organization

Autism of Nevada

State-level autism advocacy, family support, and community connection.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Nevada.

Nevada requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

SB 222 · effective 2009

Through age 14No dollar capDiagnosis required

Covers ABA through age 14 with no dollar cap. Requires autism diagnosis and a licensed BCBA. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are exempt — ask HR which type of plan covers your family.

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 Nevada.

Autism Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP) / HCBS DD Waiver

Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) / Nevada Medicaid

Varies

Typical wait time

Varies — ATAP has limited enrollment; DD waiver 2-5 years

Coverage highlights

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

Nevada has an Autism Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP) that provides funding for ABA therapy for young children with autism, separate from the standard HCBS waiver. The DD waiver covers broader long-term supports. Nevada Medicaid also covers ABA therapy for children — contact the Division of Public and Behavioral Health to navigate both programs.

How to apply

Apply online →775-684-5943

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Nevada.

Nevada Medicaid

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit dwss.nv.gov/medicaid or call 1-800-992-0900. Your plan name is on your Nevada Medicaid card.

Major plans in this state

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Nevada Medicaid)
  • Health Plan of Nevada (UnitedHealthcare)
  • SilverSummit Healthplan (Centene)

Nevada Medicaid uses managed care in Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno), with fee-for-service in rural counties. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Prior authorization is required. Provider availability can be limited outside the major metro areas.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.