North Dakota Medicaid Autism Coverage

Quick Answer

North Dakota Medicaid covers ABA under EPSDT for children under 21. The DD 1915(c) Waiver and DD Children's Waiver serve people with IDD, while the standout ND ASD Voucher program provides state-funded dollars for autism evaluations, therapies, and respite — usable alongside commercial insurance. ND operates a Katie Beckett–style Medicaid pathway for children with significant disabilities.

• ABA benefit: covered under EPSDT for under 21 (via epsdt).
• HCBS waivers: 3 relevant waiver options listed on this page.
• Commercial insurance: North Dakota has a state autism insurance mandate.

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

North Dakota Commercial Insurance Mandate

Statute

North Dakota autism insurance mandate (N.D.C.C. Title 26.1 autism coverage provisions)

Age limit

Through age 18 (per statute; confirm with plan)

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

ND Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA for children under 21 under EPSDT. ND has adopted Medicaid expansion, which broadens eligibility for adults.

North Dakota HCBS Waivers

Katie Beckett / TEFRA Option

Available — Medicaid for Children with Disabilities / Children with Medically Complex Needs

ND offers a Medicaid eligibility pathway that functions similarly to Katie Beckett/TEFRA — letting children with significant disabilities qualify for Medicaid based on the child's own income rather than family income. Apply through the regional Human Service Center or DHHS eligibility office.

Early Intervention (Birth–3)

North Dakota Early Intervention (IDEA Part C) — North Dakota'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 North Dakota.

• https://www.hhs.nd.gov/dd
• https://www.hhs.nd.gov/medicaid
• https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs/children-waivers