State guide

Ohio

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

Ohio overview

Ohio's Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is notable for its county-based structure — every Ohio county has its own County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD) that serves as the primary intake point for services and waiver enrollment. Find your county board at dodd.ohio.gov. The Level One Waiver and Individual Options Waiver are the main Medicaid vehicles. The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) is Ohio's PTI center. The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) provides statewide training and family resources.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

DODD Individual Options (IO) and SELF Waivers

Typical wait: 2–5 years (varies by county board)

Contact your County Board of DD the day of diagnosis to begin the eligibility and waitlist process.

Ohio's county boards manage intake — find yours at dodd.ohio.gov.

Apply or learn more →

Statewide resources

These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.

Medicaid / HCBS Waiver

Ohio Medicaid DODD Waivers

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

State Autism Organization

Autism Society of Ohio

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

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Ohio.

Ohio requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

HB 263 · effective 2019

No age capNo dollar capDiagnosis required

Strong and relatively recent mandate with no age cap and no dollar cap. Requires autism diagnosis and treatment by a licensed BCBA. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are exempt — ask HR which plan type 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 Ohio.

Individual Options (IO) Waiver / Level One Waiver / SELF Waiver

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Varies

Typical wait time

Level One: 1-3 years; IO Waiver: 3-7 years

Coverage highlights

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

Ohio has three main waivers: the Level One Waiver for lower support needs (shorter wait), the Individual Options (IO) Waiver for more comprehensive services, and the SELF Waiver for self-directed care. Ohio's county boards of developmental disabilities (CBDD) handle intake and eligibility at the local level — contact your county board first.

How to apply

Apply online →800-617-6733

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Ohio.

Ohio Medicaid Managed Care

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit medicaid.ohio.gov or call 1-800-324-8680. Your plan name is on your Ohio Medicaid card.

Major plans in this state

  • Buckeye Health Plan (Centene)
  • CareSource Ohio
  • Molina Healthcare of Ohio
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio

Ohio Medicaid uses managed care organizations statewide. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Ohio has a broad network of ABA providers. Prior authorization is required — contact your MCO's behavioral health department to start the process and find in-network providers.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

88 counties