Maryland Medicaid Autism Coverage
Maryland's Autism Waiver is the state's autism-specific Medicaid HCBS waiver, delivered via the school framework and requiring IEP eligibility. It has one of the longer waitlists in the country. DDA also administers the Community Pathways, Community Supports, and Family Supports waivers for individuals with IDD.
Quick Answer
Maryland's Autism Waiver is the state's autism-specific Medicaid HCBS waiver, delivered via the school framework and requiring IEP eligibility. It has one of the longer waitlists in the country. DDA also administers the Community Pathways, Community Supports, and Family Supports waivers for individuals with IDD.
- ABA benefit: covered under EPSDT for under 21 (via epsdt).
- HCBS waivers: 4 relevant waiver options listed on this page.
- Commercial insurance: Maryland has a state autism insurance mandate.
Medicaid ABA Coverage
Yes — EPSDT
Under 21 (via EPSDT)
Insurance Mandate
Yes
HCBS Waivers
4 available
Waitlist: Multi-year statewide registry
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
Maryland Commercial Insurance Mandate
- Year enacted
- 2014
- Age limit
- Varies by plan
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
Maryland Medical Assistance covers ABA for children under 21. Services are delivered through Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.
Maryland HCBS Waivers
Autism Waiver
Covers autismChildren with autism who have IEP eligibility under the autism category
- Waitlist:
- Multi-year statewide registry
- Apply via:
- Maryland State Department of Education / DDA
Community Pathways Waiver
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD, comprehensive supports
- Apply via:
- DDA regional office
Community Supports Waiver
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD living at home; lower annual cost cap
- Apply via:
- DDA regional office
Family Supports Waiver
Covers autismChildren under 21 living with family
- Apply via:
- DDA regional office
Katie Beckett / TEFRA Option
Not available
Maryland does not operate a traditional Katie Beckett / TEFRA program. The Autism Waiver and DDA waivers partially serve this role for children meeting eligibility criteria.
Early Intervention (Birth–3)
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP) — Maryland'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 Maryland.