Payment & Coverage Options
At KIDS ABA Services, we understand that navigating insurance and payment options can feel overwhelming. We want every family to understand how ABA therapy is billed and what options are available. Whether you’re using insurance or paying privately, we provide transparent rates, flexible payment options, and guidance to help you plan the best care for your child.
Accepted insurance
-
Medicaid
-
Optum/United Healthcare
-
UMR
-
BCBS- Lucet
-
QualChoice
-
Caresource
-
Empower
-
Summit
-
Arkansas Total Care
-
Cigna
If your insurance isn’t listed, contact us about further options.
For private pay options, contact us at
501-269-1656 admin@kidsabaservices.com
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been through a lot already — the evaluations, the waiting, the questions, and maybe some unexpected emotions along the way. Getting an autism diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming, and figuring out what comes next can feel even harder.
At Kids ABA Services, we want you to know one thing above everything else: you don’t have to figure this out alone.
We work with families every day who come to us feeling confused, exhausted, and unsure where to start. Our job isn’t just to provide therapy for your child — it’s to walk alongside your entire family from the very first phone call. That means explaining every step in plain language, handling the insurance paperwork on your behalf, and making sure you always know what’s coming next.
Your child deserves great care. And you deserve a team that treats you like a partner — not a number.
Let’s take the next step together.
How does the insurance process work?
1. Benefits are verified by our team.
2. Required documents are collected.
3. Authorization is submitted to insurance.
4. Services begin after approval.
How long does it take to get approved?
The honest answer: It depends on your insurance plan, but here's a realistic timeline:
-
Benefits verification: 1-3 business days
-
Assessment authorization (permission to evaluate your child): 3-7 business days
-
Treatment authorization (approval to begin therapy): 7-14 business days after the assessment report is submitted
From your first call to your child's first session, the full process typically takes four to eight weeks, though we work hard to move as quickly as your insurance allows. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays, which is why our team handles the submissions on your behalf and follows up proactively.
Authorizations for ongoing treatment typically cover a six-month period. We track renewal dates and handle re-authorization so there are no gaps in your child's care.
Can services start before insurance approval?
In most cases, no—insurance requires prior authorization before services begin, and starting without it means sessions will not be covered. Unless you have one of the rare plans that don't require prior authorization for ABA services, your insurance plan will require one before therapy begins.
That said, there are some situations where limited services can begin with proper documentation—we'll discuss your specific plan with you during intake.
What if insurance denies our services?
Denials happen—and they are not the end of the road. Here's what to expect:
-
We review the denial reason. Most denials are due to missing documentation, coding issues, or a request for additional clinical information—not a permanent "no."
-
We file an appeal. Our team submits a formal appeal with supporting clinical documentation. Roughly 15-20% of ABA authorization requests require an appeal before approval is granted.
-
You have rights. Under Arkansas law and federal parity rules, insurance plans that cover medical services must cover mental health and behavioral health services—including ABA—on equal terms.
-
We advocate with you. If needed, we can help you request a peer-to-peer review between your insurer and our BCBA, which often reverses denials.
We will keep you informed throughout the process and will never leave you navigating this on your own.
What costs should I expect?
The good news: For most families, insurance covers the majority—or even all—of the cost of ABA therapy. Arkansas law requires insurance plans to cover ABA as a medically necessary service for children with autism, and many families find their financial responsibility is minimal once their deductible is met. We will walk through your specific benefits with you before therapy ever begins, so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises, no pressure.
Here are the key cost terms to understand:
Deductible
The amount you pay for covered services before your insurance starts paying. ABA therapy counts toward your deductible, and many families meet it quickly given the intensity of services.
Co-pay/Co-insurance
Once your deductible is met, you may owe a flat co-pay (e.g., $30 per session) or a co-insurance percentage (e.g., you pay 20%, insurance pays 80%) for each visit.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The most you'll ever pay in a single year. Once you hit this limit, insurance covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. Families receiving intensive ABA therapy often reach this threshold sooner than expected—which works in your favor.
A few important notes:
-
Coverage details vary by plan—including deductible amounts, co-pays, and annual limits.
-
Not all plans are created equal. We'll verify your specific benefits during intake so you have a clear, personalized picture of your costs before we move forward.
-
We will never start services without first reviewing your coverage with you. Our team is here to make sure this process is transparent and stress-free from day one.
Taking the next steps
If you're reading this, you've probably been through a lot already—the evaluations, the waiting, the questions, and maybe some unexpected emotions along the way. Getting an autism diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming, and figuring out what comes next can feel even harder. At KIDS ABA Services, we want you to know one thing above everything else: You don't have to figure this out alone. We work with families every day who come to us feeling confused, exhausted, and unsure where to start. Our job isn't just to provide therapy for your child—it's to walk alongside your entire family from the very first phone call. That means explaining every step in plain language, handling the insurance paperwork on your behalf, and making sure you always know what's coming next.
Your child deserves great care. And you deserve a team that treats you like a partner—not a number. Let's take the next step together.