State guide

West Virginia

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

West Virginia overview

West Virginia's Bureau for Behavioral Health within DHHR administers the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Medicaid waiver. Apply through your local DHHR office — West Virginia's provider network is limited and rural access is a significant challenge for many families. For early intervention, contact Birth to Three in West Virginia. The WV Parent Training and Information Center (WVPTI) provides free special education advocacy support. Families often supplement state services with federal programs; the Autism Society of West Virginia provides community connection and family navigation.

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

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

West Virginia Medicaid HCBS Waiver — Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (BDD)

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

Apply through WV DHHR Bureau for Behavioral Health — Division of Developmental Disabilities (BDD) the day of diagnosis.

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 West Virginia.

No state ABA insurance mandate

No state private insurance mandate. West Virginia Medicaid covers ABA for children under 21. Families with private coverage should document denials and contact the WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner for assistance.

Medicaid Waiver

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

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver

West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH), Office of Developmental Disabilities

Currently closed

Typical wait time

4-7 years

Coverage highlights

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

West Virginia's I/DD waiver covers a range of home and community-based supports. The state has a limited provider network, particularly in rural counties. Register with the Office of Developmental Disabilities as early as possible. West Virginia Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children through EPSDT — ask your Medicaid caseworker about this benefit.

How to apply

Apply online →304-356-4811

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in West Virginia.

West Virginia Medicaid

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit dhhr.wv.gov/bms or call 1-800-642-8589. Your plan name is on your West Virginia Medicaid card.

Major plans in this state

  • Aetna Better Health of West Virginia
  • UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia (Anthem)

West Virginia Medicaid uses managed care organizations statewide. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Provider availability for ABA can be limited in rural and central WV. Prior authorization is required; contact your plan's behavioral health team to initiate services.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.