Colorado Medicaid Autism Coverage
Colorado Medicaid covers ABA under 21, and Community Centered Boards administer multiple HCBS waivers (CES for children, SLS for adults) without strict income limits.
Quick Answer
Colorado Medicaid covers ABA under 21, and Community Centered Boards administer multiple HCBS waivers (CES for children, SLS for adults) without strict income limits.
- ABA benefit: covered under EPSDT for under 21 (via epsdt).
- HCBS waivers: 3 relevant waiver options listed on this page.
- Commercial insurance: Colorado has a state autism insurance mandate.
Medicaid ABA Coverage
Yes — EPSDT
Under 21 (via EPSDT)
Insurance Mandate
Yes
Hour-based cap varies by age (up to 40 hrs/week early; declining thereafter)
HCBS Waivers
3 available
Waitlist: Varies by CCB region
About this information
This page summarizes public Medicaid, waiver, and insurance-mandate information for general reference.
Medicaid benefits, managed-care rules, and waiver waitlists can change quickly, so families should verify eligibility, prior authorization, and enrollment steps with the administering agency before relying on this page.
Last reviewed 2026-04-21 by Autism Hearts Editorial Team
Colorado Commercial Insurance Mandate
- Statute
- C.R.S. § 10-16-104(1.4)
- Year enacted
- 2009
- Age limit
- Through age 18
- Annual cap
- Hour-based cap varies by age (up to 40 hrs/week early; declining thereafter)
Covered services
Self-funded employer plans (often from large employers) are regulated by federal ERISA law, not state mandates, and may be exempt. Always confirm your plan type on your Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
Medicaid ABA Therapy Benefit
- Covers ABA
- Yes
- Age limit
- Under 21 (via EPSDT)
- Prior auth required
- Yes
Colorado HCBS Waivers
Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waiver
Covers autismChildren under 18 with intensive needs
- Waitlist:
- Varies by CCB region
- Apply via:
- Community Centered Board
Children's Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP)
Covers autismChildren in out-of-home placement
Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver
Covers autismAdults with IDD living in community
- Apply via:
- Community Centered Board
Katie Beckett / TEFRA Option
Not available
CES waiver partially functions as Katie Beckett equivalent for qualifying children.
Early Intervention (Birth–3)
Early Intervention Colorado — Colorado's IDEA Part C program. Children under 3 with developmental delays can access services without a formal autism diagnosis.
Official Sources
Use these primary sources when you need to confirm current Medicaid rules, waiver access, or state-agency guidance in Colorado.