Georgia Medicaid Autism Coverage
Georgia's Ava's Law requires ABA coverage on commercial plans through age 20 with a $35K annual cap. Georgia Medicaid covers ABA through managed care, and the GA Katie Beckett (Deeming Waiver) lets middle-income families with significantly disabled children qualify for Medicaid regardless of household income.
Quick Answer
Georgia's Ava's Law requires ABA coverage on commercial plans through age 20 with a $35K annual cap. Georgia Medicaid covers ABA through managed care, and the GA Katie Beckett (Deeming Waiver) lets middle-income families with significantly disabled children qualify for Medicaid regardless of household income.
- ABA benefit: covered under EPSDT for under 21 (via epsdt).
- HCBS waivers: 2 relevant waiver options listed on this page.
- Commercial insurance: Georgia has a state autism insurance mandate.
Medicaid ABA Coverage
Yes — EPSDT
Under 21 (via EPSDT)
Insurance Mandate
Yes
$35,000/year
HCBS Waivers
2 available
Waitlist: 3–7+ years (short-term planning list)
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
Georgia Commercial Insurance Mandate
- Statute
- Ava's Law (O.C.G.A. § 33-24-59.10)
- Year enacted
- 2015
- Age limit
- Through age 20 (expanded from age 6 in 2018)
- Annual cap
- $35,000/year
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
Delivered through Georgia Medicaid Care Management Organizations (Amerigroup, CareSource, Peach State, Wellcare) under the Children's Intervention Services benefit.
Georgia HCBS Waivers
NOW (New Options Waiver)
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD needing moderate levels of support
COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver)
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD needing intensive support
Katie Beckett / TEFRA Option
Available — GA Deeming Waiver (Katie Beckett)
GA operates a formal Katie Beckett program allowing children with significant disabilities to qualify for Medicaid based on the child's income, not the parents'.
Early Intervention (Birth–3)
Babies Can't Wait (Part C) — Georgia'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 Georgia.