In most cases, yes. Colorado law requires state-regulated health plans to cover ABA therapy for autism with no age limit and no dollar cap, as of January 2017. UnitedHealthcare covers ABA therapy when medically necessary, usually with prior authorization. Confirm your specific plan with a Verification of Benefits before starting.
Colorado's original autism insurance mandate (SB 09-244, 2010) required commercial health plans to cover ASD diagnosis and treatment, including ABA, for individuals under 19. A follow-up law (SB 15-015) removed those age and dollar caps effective January 1, 2017 — the mandate now applies at any age, with no cap. Fully-insured individual and small-group plans are regulated by Colorado law. Many large-employer plans are self-funded and governed by federal ERISA instead. Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) separately covers ABA therapy for children and teens up to age 21. UnitedHealthcare covers ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder when the plan includes the benefit and treatment is medically necessary. UHC's Autism Support Program provides dedicated care coordinators to help families navigate the authorization process.
UnitedHealthcare's process for ABA authorization in Colorado:
A formal autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician is required.
A comprehensive ABA assessment (CPT 97151 or 97152) must be completed by a BCBA before the treatment plan is submitted for authorization.
UHC requires prior authorization before ABA treatment begins. The BCBA submits a treatment plan with measurable goals, recommended hours, and supporting assessment data. Authorization is typically reviewed every 6 months.
Colorado's largest ABA therapy markets include the Denver metro (Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster), the Colorado Springs area, the Boulder/Longmont corridor, and the Fort Collins/Loveland area along the Front Range. Harmony Care Finder can match you with UHC-accepting ABA providers across all of these regions.
Call the member services number on your UnitedHealthcare card and request a Verification of Benefits. Confirm: ABA coverage, prior authorization requirements, deductible, copay, out-of-pocket maximum. Note that Colorado has no age or dollar cap on ABA coverage, but confirm your specific plan type (fully-insured vs. self-funded ERISA).
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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 August 2026. Coverage terms and provider availability change frequently — verify directly with your insurance carrier and the provider before scheduling.