Colorado Medicaid Autism Coverage

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.

Editorial Review

This page summarizes public Medicaid, waiver, and insurance-mandate information reviewed by the Autism Hearts editorial team.

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)

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

Colorado HCBS Waivers

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.

• https://hcpf.colorado.gov/pediatric-behavioral-therapies
• https://hcpf.colorado.gov/long-term-services-and-supports-programs