Ohio DODD ABA Funding: What Families Need to Know
In short: Ohio families can access ABA therapy funding through the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) via Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, as well as through Medicaid and private insurance. The key waivers are Level One, SELF, and Individual Options. Start with ABA is a free service that connects you with vetted BCBA-led providers who accept these funding sources.
Key takeaways
- Ohio DODD offers three main HCBS waivers (Level One, SELF, Individual Options) that can cover ABA therapy for children with autism.
- Medicaid in Ohio also covers ABA therapy for eligible children through the EPSDT benefit or managed care plans.
- Private insurance often covers ABA under the state's autism mandate, but families may need to coordinate with DODD waivers for additional support.
- Start with ABA is a free matching service that helps Ohio families find providers who accept DODD funding, Medicaid, and private insurance.
Understanding Ohio DODD and Its Role in ABA Funding
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) oversees supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, including many children with autism. One of its primary funding mechanisms for ABA therapy is through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers allow families to use Medicaid dollars to pay for services like applied behavior analysis in home, school, or community settings.
It's important to know that DODD does not directly provide therapy. Instead, it contracts with county boards of developmental disabilities and private providers to deliver services. Families typically work with their local county board to get on a waiver and then select an approved provider. The scale of funding can vary, and wait times may exist for some waivers.
🔗 Related reading: Starting ABA Therapy Before an Official Diagnosis · Local ABA Therapy
Types of DODD Waivers Available in Ohio
Ohio offers several HCBS waivers that can cover ABA therapy. Each has different eligibility criteria, caps, and availability. Below are the most common ones families pursue.
Level One Waiver
The Level One waiver provides supports for individuals with mild to moderate needs. It has an annual spending cap (currently around $27,000) and can cover respite, habilitation, and behavioral services-including ABA. Many families find this waiver a good starting point, though the cap may limit intensive therapy hours.
SELF Waiver
The SELF (Self-Empowered Life Funding) waiver is designed for self-direction. It gives families a budget to manage their own services and hire providers directly. The annual cap is about $40,000. This can be ideal for families who want more control over ABA scheduling and provider choice. However, it requires significant administrative effort to manage payroll and compliance.
Individual Options Waiver
The Individual Options waiver is the most comprehensive, with no annual cap on services (though budgets are set individually). It covers extensive ABA, personal care, and residential supports. However, this waiver has a long waiting list, often years. Priority is given to individuals at immediate risk of institutionalization.
All three waivers are Medicaid-based and require the individual to meet financial and functional eligibility criteria. County boards manage applications.
How to Apply for DODD Funding for ABA
Step 1: Contact Your Local County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Ohio has 88 county boards. Start by calling the board in your county of residence. Explain that your child has an autism diagnosis and you're seeking ABA therapy. Ask for an eligibility evaluation. The board will schedule a developmental assessment to determine if your child meets the definition of a developmental disability (usually an IQ score or adaptive behavior deficits, and onset before age 22). For many autistic children, especially those with co-occurring intellectual disability, this is straightforward.
Step 2: Apply for Medicaid if Your Child Isn't Already Covered
Waivers require Medicaid eligibility. If your family income is too high for standard Medicaid, your child may still qualify through the waiver itself (since waivers use the child's income, not the parents'). The county board's intake worker can guide you. You'll need to complete a Medicaid application through the Ohio Benefits portal or with the county department of job and family services.
Step 3: Develop a Person-Centered Plan
Once eligible, you'll work with the county board to create a person-centered plan. This document outlines goals, supports needed, and the number of ABA hours you're requesting. Be specific about the need for BCBA-supervised intervention. The board will then help you choose a waiver and assign you to a provider or give you a list of approved ABA agencies.
Step 4: Select an ABA Provider
You'll need to choose a provider that is enrolled as a DODD-approved Medicaid provider. Not all ABA agencies accept waivers. This is where Start with ABA can help. Our free matching service connects you with vetted, BCBA-led providers in Ohio who have experience working with DODD funding. We help you compare options and navigate the administrative paperwork so you can get services faster.
🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy for 8-Year-Olds with Anxiety: A Parent's Guide · Nearby ABA Therapy
Using Medicaid and Private Insurance for ABA Alongside DODD
Many Ohio families use a combination of funding sources. For instance, private insurance may cover a portion of ABA therapy, while a Level One waiver pays for additional hours or respite. However, coordination can be tricky. Medicaid is always the payer of last resort, so if you have private insurance, your child's provider must bill the insurance first before turning to the waiver.
Ohio has an autism insurance mandate (ORC 3901-1-66) that requires large group health plans to cover ABA therapy up to a certain amount. If you have employer-sponsored insurance, check your benefits. You can often get an initial authorization for several hours per week. Then, if you need more, the DODD waiver can pick up the difference.
If your child is under age three, Help Me Grow (Ohio's early intervention program) can provide early intervention services, including applied behavior analysis. This is funded through a combination of state funds and Medicaid. Contact your county's Help Me Grow office for an evaluation.
Common Mistakes Families Make When Seeking DODD Funding
- Waiting too long to start the process. Eligibility evaluations and waiver enrollment can take months. Apply as soon as your child receives an autism diagnosis, even if you're not sure ABA is right yet.
- Not documenting medical necessity. DODD requires clear evidence that ABA is medically necessary. Work with your child's doctor or a BCBA to get a comprehensive prescription and treatment plan.
- Assuming the Individual Options waiver is the only option. Many families overlook the Level One or SELF waivers, which can be faster and still provide substantial support.
- Not exploring private insurance first. Even if you think you can't afford insurance, you may have coverage through a parent's employer. Always check before using only waivers.
- Sticking with a provider that isn't a good fit. Don't hesitate to switch if the therapy approach doesn't match your child's needs. DODD allows you to change providers with proper notice.
The Role of County Boards in Your Child's ABA Journey
Your local county board of developmental disabilities is your primary point of contact for DODD funding. However, county boards vary in their responsiveness and knowledge of ABA. Some have dedicated autism liaisons; others do not. If you feel stuck, ask for a service coordinator or an autism specialist. You can also contact the Ohio DODD central office in Columbus for guidance.
Additionally, some county boards offer a waiver enrollment assistance program or can connect you with a local family support network. Parent advocacy groups like the Ohio Association of County Boards and the Autism Society of Ohio can provide free information.
How Start with ABA Can Help You Find the Right Provider
Navigating DODD waivers, Medicaid, and insurance is overwhelming. That's why Start with ABA exists as a free, no-obligation matching service. When you fill out a short form on our website, we review your child's needs and funding sources (including any DODD waiver you have) and match you with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers in your area of Ohio. We only recommend agencies that have experience with Medicaid billing and DODD waivers.
Our goal is to take the guesswork out of finding a provider, so you can focus on getting your child the therapy they deserve. We don't charge families-ever. Providers pay us a fee after we connect them with a family, but that never affects the price you pay.
If you haven't yet applied for a waiver, we can also give you an overview of what to expect and connect you with resources to start the county board process. We're here to support Ohio families at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio DODD Funding for ABA
Below are answers to questions we often hear from families.