State guide

Virginia

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

Virginia overview

Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) administers the Community Living and Family and Individual Supports (FIS) waivers. Apply through your Community Services Board (CSB) — Virginia's 40 CSBs are the local intake point for services. Virginia's adult waiver waitlists are significant; apply as soon as your child is old enough to be eligible. For early intervention, contact Virginia's Infant & Toddler Connection. The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) is Virginia's PTI. The University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth's RRTC are major research centers.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

DD Waiver — Individual and Family Support (DBHDS)

Typical wait: varies — Individual & Family Support Waiver is faster; DD Waiver has longer waits

Apply through your local Community Services Board (CSB) the day of diagnosis — CSBs manage DBHDS waiver intake for each locality.

Virginia has multiple waiver tiers. The Individual and Family Support Waiver is often available faster than the full DD Waiver.

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 Virginia.

Virginia requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

HB 517 · effective 2014

Through age 18No dollar capDiagnosis required

Originally limited to age 10; updated to age 18 with no dollar cap. Requires autism diagnosis and a licensed BCBA. 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 Virginia.

Community Living, Building Independence, and Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waivers

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Currently closed

Typical wait time

3-7 years (varies by waiver level and region)

Coverage highlights

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

Virginia DBHDS manages three waiver tiers: the Building Independence Waiver for lower support needs, the Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver for community supports at home, and the Community Living Waiver for residential services. Families must first get on the DD Waiting List through their Community Services Board (CSB). Apply to your local CSB to begin.

How to apply

Apply online →804-786-3710

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Virginia.

Medallion 4.0 (Virginia Medicaid)

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit dmas.virginia.gov or call 1-833-5CALLVA (1-833-522-5582). Your Medallion 4.0 plan is on your Virginia Medicaid card.

Major plans in this state

  • Aetna Better Health of Virginia
  • Anthem HealthKeepers Plus (Virginia)
  • Molina Healthcare of Virginia
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Virginia

Virginia Medallion 4.0 uses regional managed care plans. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. CCC Plus is the program for individuals with complex needs who need long-term care — families may need both a Medallion plan (physical health) and CCC Plus (LTSS). Prior authorization is required.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.

By county

133 counties