In most cases, yes. Virginia law requires state-regulated health plans to cover ABA therapy for autism, performed or supervised by a BCBA licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine. Aetna covers ABA therapy when medically necessary, usually with prior authorization. Confirm your specific plan with a Verification of Benefits before starting.
Virginia's autism insurance law (HB 2467, enacted 2011, effective January 1, 2012) requires coverage for autism spectrum disorder treatment, including ABA therapy, when the ABA is provided or supervised by a board-certified behavior analyst licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, with the prescribing practitioner independent of the ABA provider. The law has been amended more than once since — HB 2577 (2019) and SB 1031 (2020, expanding the mandate to small-group and individual plans) both changed its scope. Age limits and the annual benefit cap have changed across these amendments; verify current figures directly with Aetna or the Virginia Bureau of Insurance rather than relying on a fixed number, since sources disagree on the current age range post-2019. Self-funded employer plans governed by federal ERISA are generally exempt from this state mandate. Note: this page covers commercial Aetna plans. Aetna Better Health of Virginia is a separate Medicaid managed care plan — see the dedicated Aetna Better Health VA page if that's your plan. Aetna covers ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder when the plan includes the benefit and treatment is medically necessary.
Most Aetna plans require prior authorization before ABA services begin:
A formal ASD diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician, independent of the ABA provider per Virginia law.
Aetna typically requires a comprehensive treatment plan with measurable goals, assessment results, weekly therapy hours, and the BCBA's credentials.
The process commonly takes 14–30 business days. Nothing in Virginia's law prevents Aetna from applying its usual medical-necessity review.
Call the member services number on your Aetna card and request a Verification of Benefits. Confirm: ABA coverage, current age/benefit limits under Virginia's most recent amendment, prior authorization requirements, deductible, copay, out-of-pocket maximum.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, clinical, or therapeutic advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) before making therapy decisions for your child.
Data current as of July 2026. Coverage terms and provider availability change frequently — verify directly with your insurance carrier and the provider before scheduling.