Autism Evaluation Cost in Louisiana
In Louisiana, private-pay autism evaluations typically run $1,500–$4,500. Healthy Louisiana Medicaid covers evaluations fully for children under 21. The Act 421 Children's Medicaid Option (Louisiana's Katie Beckett equivalent) can extend Medicaid coverage to middle-income families.
Quick Answer
In Louisiana, private-pay autism evaluations typically run $1,500–$4,500. Healthy Louisiana Medicaid covers evaluations fully for children under 21. The Act 421 Children's Medicaid Option (Louisiana's Katie Beckett equivalent) can extend Medicaid coverage to middle-income families.
- Private-pay range: $1,500-$4,500 (typical about $2,800).
- Commercial insurance: $0–$1,500 depending on deductible and plan type.
- Medicaid: covered with a typical copay of $0.
Private-pay (no insurance)
For a comprehensive pediatric evaluation (history, ADOS-2, cognitive testing, written report). Updated 2026-04-21.
Commercial Insurance
$0–$1,500 depending on deductible and plan type
Typical out-of-pocket
Louisiana's 2008 autism insurance mandate requires state-regulated plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism (including ABA) for children up to age 21, subject to statutory limits. Self-funded ERISA plans are exempt — verify plan type.
Medicaid
$0
Typical copay
Healthy Louisiana MCOs cover diagnostic evaluations under EPSDT for enrolled children under 21. Prior auth typically required for subsequent ABA but not for the evaluation itself.
Wait Times
3–6 months in metros; longer in rural areas
Private psychologist
Major center: 9–15 months (Children's Hospital New Orleans, LSU Health New Orleans HDC, LSU Health Shreveport)
Editorial Review
Cost ranges on this page are directional estimates compiled from published price lists, public fee schedules, and manual review.
Actual charges depend on the provider, testing scope, insurance contract, and your deductible or network status. Confirm fees and prior authorization requirements before scheduling.
Last reviewed 2026-04-21 by Autism Hearts Editorial Team
Wait Times by Provider Type
- Major medical center
- 9–15 months (Children's Hospital New Orleans, LSU Health New Orleans HDC, LSU Health Shreveport)
- Private psychologist
- 3–6 months in metros; longer in rural areas
- Telehealth
- 4–8 weeks at telehealth-first practices
Getting on multiple waitlists simultaneously is strongly recommended. Telehealth and private-practice waits are often significantly shorter than academic medical centers.
Low-Cost & Free Evaluation Options in Louisiana
LSU Health New Orleans — Human Development Center (HDC / UCEDD)
New Orleans
Accepts Medicaid.
LSU Health Shreveport — Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
Shreveport
Act 421 Children's Medicaid Option
Louisiana's Katie Beckett equivalent — can unlock Medicaid coverage for evaluation regardless of family income when the child meets institutional LOC.
Families Helping Families regional centers
Statewide parent-to-parent network; helps locate sliding-scale and Medicaid-accepting evaluators.
Related
Louisiana Medicaid coverage details
Full breakdown of HCBS waivers, ABA benefit rules, and the state insurance mandate.
Sources
These sources support the current pricing and coverage context for Louisiana. Always confirm the latest quote directly with the provider before booking.
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