Medicaid MCO Coverage Guide

Does Health First Colorado Cover ABA Therapy?

Yes. Health First Colorado, Colorado's Medicaid program, covers ABA therapy for children under 21 with a formal autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through the federal EPSDT benefit.

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What This Tells You

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program. Most enrollees receive coverage through one of Colorado's Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) — integrated managed care organizations that coordinate both physical and behavioral health services. Your RAE determines your ABA provider network.

What is Health First Colorado (CO Medicaid)?

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program, providing health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. Colorado uses a Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) model for managed care, integrating physical and behavioral health services. The RAE you're assigned to based on your county determines your ABA provider network.

What does Health First Colorado (CO Medicaid) require for ABA coverage?

Coverage runs through the federal EPSDT benefit. In practice, you will need:

In practice, expect to need:

  • A documented autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from a licensed evaluator
  • A treatment plan from a BCBA outlining goals and recommended hours
  • Prior authorization submitted through your RAE before ABA starts

As of January 1, 2026, a federal rule (CMS-0057-F) requires Medicaid managed care plans to decide standard prior authorization requests within 7 calendar days, and urgent requests within 72 hours.

How do I find an ABA provider that accepts Health First Colorado (CO Medicaid)?

Use Harmony Care Finder's Colorado provider directory to find ABA providers near you. Confirm in-network status specifically with your Health First Colorado RAE before scheduling an intake.

Check your coverage to confirm your plan details, and use our Colorado provider directory to find ABA providers near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Regional Accountable Entity (RAE)?

A RAE is Colorado's integrated managed care organization that coordinates both physical and behavioral health services for Health First Colorado enrollees. RAE assignments are based on your county of residence.

How do I find out which RAE I'm assigned to?

Your RAE assignment is based on your county. Contact Health First Colorado at 1-800-221-3943 or log in to your member portal to find your RAE.

Does Health First Colorado cover ABA for adults?

EPSDT covers children under 21. Adults may have access through waiver programs, but coverage is more limited. Contact your RAE for adult benefit details.

What to do next

  1. Confirm which Colorado RAE your family is assigned to (call Health First Colorado at 1-800-221-3943 or check your member portal).
  2. Obtain a documented autism diagnosis and BCBA treatment plan.
  3. Submit prior authorization through your RAE before ABA services begin.
  4. Search Colorado ABA providers on Harmony Care Finder and confirm in-network status with your specific RAE.

Verify Your Health First Colorado (CO Medicaid) Coverage

Let us check your benefits and match you with providers who accept your plan. It's free.

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Sources

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, clinical, or therapeutic advice.

Data current as of July 2026.