Indiana Family Supports Waiver and ABA Therapy: A Complete Guide
In short: The Indiana Family Supports Waiver (FSW) helps families pay for ABA therapy for children with developmental disabilities, including autism. It covers assessments, direct therapy, and parent training through approved providers. To get started, contact your local Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) office. Once approved, you can choose any Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider. Get ABA Therapy offers a free matching service to connect families with BCBA-led providers who accept the FSW waiver.
Key takeaways
- The Indiana Family Supports Waiver covers ABA therapy assessments, one-on-one sessions, and caregiver training for eligible children with autism or related conditions.
- Eligibility requires a diagnosis of intellectual or developmental disability and meeting financial and functional criteria; there is a waiting list for the waiver.
- To apply, contact your local BDDS office or call the First Steps intake line for children under 3.
- Once approved, you can choose any Medicaid-enrolled ABA provider; Get ABA Therapy helps match you with vetted BCBA-led clinics that accept the waiver.
What Is the Indiana Family Supports Waiver?
The Indiana Family Supports Waiver (FSW) is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver administered by the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS). It provides funding for supports and services that help children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) live at home with their families rather than in institutional settings. For families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the FSW is a critical resource because it can cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy - the gold-standard, evidence-based intervention for improving communication, social skills, and reducing challenging behaviors.
Unlike traditional Medicaid (Hoosier Healthwise or Healthy Indiana Plan), the FSW offers a broader set of services, including respite, behavioral support, and specialized therapies like ABA. The waiver is designed to be family-centered, meaning parents and caregivers are active partners in planning and delivering care. For Indiana families seeking affordable behavior therapy, the FSW can significantly reduce - and often eliminate - out-of-pocket costs.
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How Does the Family Supports Waiver Cover ABA Therapy?
ABA therapy is approved under the FSW as a medically necessary behavioral health service. Coverage typically includes:
- Functional behavior assessments (FBA) - conducted by a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) to identify the function of challenging behaviors.
- Direct one-on-one therapy - supervised by a BCBA and delivered by registered behavior technicians (RBTs) in home, clinic, or community settings.
- Parent and caregiver training - teaching family members how to implement ABA strategies throughout the day.
- Behavior intervention plan development and monitoring - ongoing adjustments based on data collection.
To receive ABA through the FSW, you must choose a provider who is enrolled in Indiana Medicaid and authorized by your BDDS case manager. The waiver pays the provider directly, so families do not receive cash or handle billing. The amount of ABA you receive is determined by the need documented in your child's person-centered plan (PCP) and approved by BDDS.
Who Is Eligible for the Family Supports Waiver?
Diagnosis and Age Criteria
To qualify, your child must have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability (ID) or a related developmental disability such as autism that began before age 22. The waiver is available to children and adults of all ages, but slots are limited and there is often a waiting list. For children under 3, you may first access services through Indiana's Early Intervention program (First Steps), which has its own funding. After age 3, the FSW becomes an option for ongoing support.
Functional and Financial Requirements
Your child must need a level of care similar to that provided in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID). This is assessed by BDDS using a standardized tool. Financially, the FSW is a Medicaid waiver, so your household must meet Medicaid income and asset limits. However, the waiver allows some families with higher incomes to participate if they pay a monthly spend-down. Your local BDDS office can help you determine if you meet the criteria.
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How to Apply for the Family Supports Waiver
Step 1: Contact the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services
Your first step is to reach out to your regional BDDS office. Indiana has six regions; you can find yours at the BDDS website or call the statewide intake line at 1-800-545-7763. The intake coordinator will guide you through the preliminary screening.
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
You will need to provide proof of diagnosis (e.g., a diagnostic report from a developmental pediatrician or psychologist), proof of Indiana residency, and financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements). If your child is already receiving services through First Steps or a school-based program, include those records.
Step 3: Complete the Level of Care Assessment
A BDDS case manager will schedule an in-person or virtual assessment to determine if your child meets the ICF-IID level of care. This evaluation looks at daily living skills, medical needs, and behavioral challenges. Having recent ABA documentation - such as a functional assessment report - can strengthen your case.
Step 4: Join the Waiting List
The FSW has a limited number of slots, so most families go on a waiting list. As of 2025, Indiana is expanding waiver slots, but wait times can range from a few months to more than a year. While you wait, you may still be able to access ABA through private insurance, school services, or self-pay. Once your child's name reaches the top, BDDS will contact you to finalize enrollment and begin developing the person-centered plan.
Costs: What You Will and Won't Pay
The Family Supports Waiver covers ABA therapy at no direct cost to you. There are no copays, deductibles, or premium payments for services when using an in-network Medicaid provider. However, if your household income exceeds Medicaid limits, you may be required to pay a monthly spend-down - essentially the amount of medical expenses you must incur before Medicaid begins paying. Your BDDS eligibility worker can explain how this applies to your family.
If you choose a provider that does not accept Indiana Medicaid (rare for ABA clinics), the waiver will not cover those services. That is why it is important to work with a provider who is both BCBA-led and Medicaid-enrolled. A free matching service like Get ABA Therapy can help you quickly identify ABA clinics in your area that accept the FSW, saving you hours of phone calls and research.
Finding an ABA Provider That Accepts the Waiver
What to Look For
Not every ABA clinic accepts the Family Supports Waiver, even if they take private insurance. The waiver requires providers to contract directly with Indiana Medicaid, so it is essential to confirm this upfront. Look for a clinic that:
- Is led by a BCBA who supervises all clinical decisions.
- Has experience working with children with autism and co-occurring conditions.
- Provides in-home, clinic, or community-based services to fit your schedule.
- Offers parent training as part of the ABA program.
- Will coordinate with your BDDS case manager and create a person-centered plan.
How Get ABA Therapy Can Help
Because the FSW is a complex waiver, families often need guidance finding the right provider. Get ABA Therapy is a free matching service that connects you with vetted, BCBA-led providers in Indiana who accept the Family Supports Waiver. You simply tell us your location and your child's needs, and we send you a curated list of licensed clinics. There is no cost to you - we are compensated by providers. Using a matching service can reduce the stress of contacting dozens of clinics and speeds up the time until your child starts therapy.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Waiting Too Long to Apply
The waiting list for the FSW is real. Many families delay applying because they think they might not qualify, but you can apply any time. Even if your child is young or recently diagnosed, submit the paperwork now. You can always decline a slot later if your situation changes.
Assuming All ABA Providers Accept the Waiver
Just because a clinic says they accept Medicaid does not mean they accept the Family Supports Waiver. The FSW is a specific waiver and requires providers to be enrolled in the HCBS program. Ask directly: "Are you enrolled with BDDS as a Family Supports Waiver provider?" If they are not, ask if they can become enrolled - a process that takes several weeks. Get ABA Therapy pre-screens providers so you know they are waiver-ready.
Not Updating Your Person-Centered Plan
Your child's ABA needs will change over time. The PCP must be updated annually or whenever there is a significant change in behavior or ability. If you do not update the plan, therapy hours could be reduced or discontinued. Stay in close contact with your BDDS case manager and your BCBA to ensure the plan reflects current needs.
Overlooking Parent Training Coverage
The FSW covers parent and caregiver training as part of ABA. Many families miss out on this because they do not explicitly ask for it. Include parent training in your PCP so you can learn strategies to support your child between sessions - this leads to better long-term outcomes.