How much does insurance pay for ABA therapy?
Insurance companies are known for paying for medical treatments necessary for the well-being of individuals. ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is thankfully covered by medical insurance, at least to some degree, if not all.
So if you wonder how much insurance pays for ABA therapy, read ahead, and you will find it out.
How much does insurance pay for ABA therapy?
This therapy is for treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Still, it can also address various conditions like developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and mental health disorders. This remedy involves breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, more manageable components and using positive reinforcement to encourage the individual to learn new behaviors and skills.
Without insurance, ABA therapy can cost approximately $240 to $600 daily and roughly $120 to $150 per hour. The hourly charges for the therapy can differ from time to time, especially for parents who are planning to seek long-term sessions for their children. Talk to your ABA therapist and insurance company in detail regarding the exact amount you’ll be expecting to pay for sessions.
But with insurance, the cost comes down drastically as the company might pay almost 90% of the total cost.
How much is an ABA pricing plan?
Check out the below-mentioned table for an average plan range.
| Duration | Charges |
| Per Month | $62,400 – $249,600 |
| Per Month | $4,800 – $20,000 |
| Per Week | $1,200 – $4,800 |
| Per Day | $240 – $600 |
| Per Hour | $120 – $150 |
How many months of ABA therapy are needed?
On average, a patient might need 2 to 3 years of intensive therapy and 2 to 3 more years of attentive practice.
At what age is ABA most effective?
ABA is effective at almost every age, but starting as early as possible is most helpful. Ages between 2 and 6 years are the best time.
What are the disadvantages of ABA?
- ABA therapy can be time-consuming and costly. It can require many hours of weekly treatment and can potentially go on for years. The cost of ABA therapy can also be a significant financial burden for families, mainly if insurance coverage is limited.
2. The intensity and rigidity of ABA therapy might be challenging for some people, especially those who struggle with sensory processing issues or have difficulty with change or transitions. The structured nature of ABA therapy may also limit exploration opportunities.
3. Some critics of ABA therapy argue that the focus on specific behaviors and skills may not translate to other settings or situations outside of the therapy setting, leading to a limited generalization of skills.
4. ABA therapy focuses on changing behavior and increasing desirable behaviors and may not prioritize emotional development and social-emotional learning.
5. Some also raise concerns about the potential for power imbalances and coercion in the therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does ABA improve autism?
Intensive ABA therapy typically provides 25 to 40 hours of weekly treatment for 1 to 3 years. But it is best to understand not all children with autism might benefit from this type of therapy, and any individual outcome can vary.
2. What can I do instead of ABA?
– Developmental Interventions
– Social Skills Training
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
– Speech and Language Therapy
– Relationship Development Intervention
– Floortime Therapy
Wrapping It Up
Even though insurance might not entirely pay for ABA, it still covers most of its cost, significantly cutting expenses. Hence, we urge you to have medical insurance just in case.
