Medicaid MCO Coverage Guide

Does Virginia Medicaid Cover ABA Therapy?

Yes. Virginia Medicaid 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

Virginia's Medicaid managed care program is called Medallion 4.0. Most Medicaid enrollees receive coverage through one of Virginia's contracted MCOs — Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Molina Healthcare of Virginia, Optima Health Community Care, or United Healthcare Community Plan. The MCO you're enrolled in determines your ABA provider network.

What is Virginia Medicaid (Medallion 4.0)?

Virginia Medicaid is the state's Medicaid program. Virginia uses a managed care model called Medallion 4.0, with most enrollees covered through a contracted MCO. For autism services, the MCO administers the EPSDT benefit and manages prior authorization for ABA therapy.

What does Virginia Medicaid (Medallion 4.0) 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 specific MCO 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 Virginia Medicaid (Medallion 4.0)?

Use Harmony Care Finder's Virginia provider directory to find ABA providers near you. Confirm in-network status specifically with your Virginia Medicaid MCO — Medallion 4.0 networks vary between plans.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medallion 4.0?

Medallion 4.0 is Virginia's Medicaid managed care program. Most Medicaid enrollees are covered through one of five contracted MCOs under this program.

Which MCOs are in Virginia Medicaid Medallion 4.0?

Virginia contracts with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Molina Healthcare of Virginia, Optima Health Community Care, and United Healthcare Community Plan.

Is Anthem HealthKeepers Plus the same as commercial Anthem?

No. Anthem HealthKeepers Plus is a Virginia Medicaid MCO. Commercial Anthem plans are a separate product with different coverage terms and provider networks.

What to do next

  1. Confirm which Virginia Medicaid MCO your family is enrolled in (check your Medicaid card or call 1-800-432-5924).
  2. Obtain a documented autism diagnosis and BCBA treatment plan.
  3. Submit prior authorization through your MCO before ABA services begin.
  4. Search Virginia ABA providers on Harmony Care Finder and confirm in-network status with your specific MCO.

Verify Your Virginia Medicaid (Medallion 4.0) 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.