Autism Resources

Autism Insurance & Grants

Therapy room at Lighthouse Autism Center with toys on a table with blue chairs and book shelves above

Our Team of Autism Insurance Experts

Founded by parents of a child with autism, we understand the unique challenges parents face when not only finding the right therapy option for their child, but also navigating insurance and how to pay for the treatment. At Lighthouse Autism Center, we have a dedicated team of Insurance Specialists who are here to help. Each family is paired with an Insurance Specialist who will help them navigate each step of the insurance process. From determining costs, securing access to grants and waivers, and understanding the complexities of insurance, they will handle it all for you so you can worry about what is most important: caring for your child. 

How We Help

For families that are just beginning the search for the right treatment program for your child, we understand that the various laws and guidelines are often unfamiliar and confusing. Each state has different mandates, rules and regulations when it comes to autism insurance coverage. To view your state’s unique mandate, click here.

Our trained staff will contact your insurance company to verify coverage for ABA services. Any denied authorizations are appealed to ensure we are able to secure access to services for your child.

Insurance FAQ

  • A provider renders a service to a patient and logs the type of service they performed as well as the duration.
  • The provider submits those services and duration of services to the patient’s insurance carrier as a claim.
  • The insurance carrier will determine if the patient has any responsibility for payment within 30-45 calendar days.
  • If the patient has not yet satisfied their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, the insurance carrier will set out deductible, copay, or coinsurance amounts as patient responsibility for payment.

Understanding Eligibility for Autism Grants

The requirements for receiving autism grants can differ based on the specific grant and the organization offering it. Some grants may need families to meet certain income or residency criteria, while others might be open to all families, regardless of their financial situation.

Tips for Applying
Each organization has its own grant application process, which can be a bit confusing if you’re applying for multiple grants at the same time. Here are some tips to help you through the process.

Guides and Tips for Writing Proposals:

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  1. Start by reading the entire application. Make a list of the documents you’ll need, like tax statements, diagnostic reports, and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Creating a checklist will help you stay organized and ensure you meet all deadlines.
  2. Choose your applications wisely. Many autism organizations only fund specific types of therapies and services. It’s best not to waste your time on applications that won’t cover what you need.
  3. Add a personal message. Some applications may request information about your child and the reasons you’re seeking their services. Consider including a photo of your child and/or a recommendation letter if the application permits.
  4. Add a personal message. Some applications may request information about your child and the reasons you’re seeking their services. Consider including a photo of your child and/or a recommendation letter if the application permits.

National ABA Therapy Grants

UHCCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance plan. You DO NOT have to have United Healthcare Insurance to qualify. Grants are available for medical costs incurred within 60 days of the time UHCCF determines the application to be complete. Grants are good for one year following the month in which they are approved.

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Grant Amounts:
The amount awarded to an individual within a 12-month period is limited to $5,000. Awards to any one individual are limited to a lifetime maximum of $10,000.
Who is Eligible:

  • Must be medically insured by a commercial health plan, either through an employer or
    individually purchased.
  • Must be under the age of 16 years old*
    • *Children aged 3-6 for a one-time grant to help cover the cost of ABA therapy
  • Child must have a Social Security Number issued by the Social Security Administration.
  • Income
    • Family Size of 2– $55,000 or less
    • Family Size of 3– $85,000 or less
    • Family Size of 4– $115,000 or less
    • Family Size of 5 or more– $145,000 or less

Expenses covered include:

  • UHCCF is happy to consider children aged 3-6 for a one-time grant to help cover the cost of ABA therapy. We are unable to include ABA therapy as a grant service for children younger than 3 or older than 6, or multiple grants for ABA for the same child.
  • Speech and occupational therapy

Expenses not covered include:

  • Dental procedures
  • Educational expenses, including day camps
  • Home and vehicle expenses
  • Travel and lodging

Illinois ABA Therapy Grants

Autism Hero Project seeks to improve the lives of children with autism, people otherwise on the autism spectrum, and their families through providing financial assistance for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapeutic services, helping others understand autism-related needs in everyday life, and promoting more than just awareness among communities. We strive to create a world of inclusion, where ALL means ALL.

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Grant Amounts:

Autism Hero Project will pay the difference in coverage that covers the applicant’s portion of their insurance premium only—either through the marketplace or an employer. Deadlines for application follow Open Enrollment.

Who is Eligible:

  • Must be medically insured by a commercial health plan, either through an employer or individually purchased.
  • Must have an updated diagnostic report within the last three (3) years
  • Must be a resident of Illinois or Florida
  • Applicant’s Household income and size will be taken into consideration (Priority will go to low-income and/or families with multiple dependents on the autism spectrum.)
  • Autism hero project medical insurance premiums only. Their grants do not cover deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance or any other out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Child must be receiving a minimum of twelve (12) hours of ABA therapy

Expenses covered include:

  • Medical health insurance premiums.

Expenses not covered include:

  • All other expenses.

Get in Touch

Have questions about insurance coverage for ABA therapy or other autism services? Contact your local Insurance Specialist to learn more.