WellCare ABA Therapy Coverage in North Carolina
One Less Thing To Deal With
Your child needs support. You need a team that shows up consistently and knows what they’re doing. And you need someone who’ll make sure WellCare doesn’t become another obstacle between your family and real progress.
- Verify benefits before your first appointment
- Submit authorizations and handle follow-ups
- Manage claims, reauthorizations, and appeals
How we work with WellCare
Kennedy ABA manages the insurance process so you don’t spend hours learning billing codes and authorization requirements just to access the care your child needs.
Insurance Management
Our in Network of Insurance Providers in North Carolina
We work with all major insurance providers across North Carolina:
Don’t see yours? We might work with them, too. Just ask
lives through
What WellCare covers for ABA therapy
When insurance approves ABA therapy, here’s what’s usually covered:
Direct one-on-one sessions with a trained RBT in your home. Where your child works on communication during actual conversations, practices behavior regulation during real transitions, and builds skills in the environment where they need them most.
Therapy during your child’s school day—in their classroom, during lunch, at recess. We help them succeed in the moments that matter: participating in group work, managing frustration when assignments get hard, and navigating social situations with peers.
Telehealth ABA Sessions
Virtual therapy appointments that maintain consistency when in-person isn’t possible. Your family gets flexibility without sacrificing progress.
Direct instruction on the same strategies our therapists use. You’ll know how to reinforce appropriate requests during dinner, how to handle escalation at bedtime, how to support your child’s progress between sessions and after therapy ends.
Coverage varies by plan, but we’ll walk you through exactly what yours includes.
What Makes WellCare Different
Medicaid Managed Care Plan
- One of NC's Medicaid managed care organizations
- Serves specific counties statewide
- Covers ABA therapy for children under 21
No Annual Dollar Cap
- Coverage continues as long as services remain medically necessary
- Part of Medicaid EPSDT benefit
- Must be prescribed by physician
Standard Medicaid Authorization Process
- Requires autism diagnosis and medical necessity documentation
- Prior authorization before starting therapy
- Processing time: 10-14 business days typically
Reauthorization Every 6 Months
- WellCare reviews progress data to continue authorization
- May adjust hours based on documented progress
- Lack of improvement may result in service changes
No Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Zero copays or deductibles for ABA therapy services
- Medicaid members pay nothing beyond monthly premium (if applicable)
Reach Out
Assessment
Personalized Plan
Therapy Begins
Progress Tracking
How to get started with WellCare
-
Step: 01
Contact Kennedy ABA: Call us or fill out our contact form. We'll need your WellCare member ID and your child's autism diagnosis documentation. -
Step: 02
We contact WellCare: We verify your benefits directly with WellCare. You'll get clear answers about what's covered. -
Step: 03
We submit authorization: We prepare and submit the prior authorization request with all required clinical documentation. Then we follow up with WellCare until they process it. -
Step: 04
Your child starts therapy: Once WellCare approves coverage, we schedule your child's first session, in your home or at school, based on your family's needs and schedule.

Whether your child is nonverbal or struggling with language, ABA helps them express needs, ask questions, and connect with others.

Getting dressed, brushing teeth, following routines—these skills build independence and make life easier for your whole family.

Making friends, sharing, taking turns, reading social cues—ABA teaches the building blocks of meaningful relationships.

When meltdowns happen, ABA gives your child tools to manage big feelings and respond to frustration in healthier ways.

ABA doesn’t just stop challenging behaviors—it teaches replacement skills so your child can communicate what they need without aggression or self-injury.

Following instructions, sitting for tasks, transitioning between activities—these skills prepare your child for success in schools.
Getting the most from your WellCare plan
Before starting:
- Keep your WellCare card accessible (you'll need both sides)
- Have your child's autism diagnosis documentation ready
- Ask us what additional paperwork your specific WellCare plan requires
During therapy:
- We monitor your WellCare authorization periods and benefits utilization
- We submit reauthorization requests to WellCare before current approvals expire
- We update you regularly on coverage status and any WellCare communications
If WellCare coverage is limited:
- We'll appeal denials with strong clinical documentation from our BCBA team
- We'll explore payment arrangements for out-of-pocket costs
- Most families find workable solutions—very few end up unable to access services
Why families with WellCare trust Kennedy ABA
WellCare Coverage FAQs
What will ABA therapy cost with my WellCare plan?
Does my WellCare plan require a pediatrician referral?
What documentation does WellCare need for authorization?
How long before WellCare approves authorization?
How many therapy hours will WellCare authorize?
What happens if WellCare denies coverage?
Can I use WellCare HSA or FSA funds?
If I don't have WellCare, can Kennedy ABA still help?
We work with most major insurance providers in North Carolina. If you have different coverage, we likely work with them. Without insurance, we can discuss self-pay options and payment plans.
Does WellCare cover ABA therapy for non-autism diagnoses?
Will WellCare coverage eventually run out?
Is Kennedy ABA in-network with my WellCare plan?
When does my WellCare authorization expire?
Let’s get You Covered
Our team has navigated every variety of WellCare plan, answered every type of coverage question, and handled every insurance complication imaginable.
This is what we do best, so your child can get the help they need. Fast.