Finding ABA that accepts Medicaid in Union County

Learn how to find ABA therapy providers in Union County, NJ that accept NJ FamilyCare. Steps for families, including PerformCare and school districts.

Published September 24, 2026 · Union County, New Jersey

Understanding Medicaid coverage for ABA in New Jersey

If your child has an autism diagnosis and you are covered by NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid and CHIP program), you have a legal right to applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy when it is medically necessary. In Union County, there are 52 ABA providers registered on the federal NPPES registry. That is a starting point, but not every provider accepts Medicaid. This guide walks you through the concrete steps to find one that does.

Step 1: Know which agency to call based on your child's age

New Jersey divides services by age. For children under 3, you contact the New Jersey Early Intervention System. For children age 3 through 20, PerformCare is the single access point for the Children's System of Care. After age 21, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) takes over. Most ABA therapy for school-age children goes through PerformCare or your school district. If your child is under 3, Early Intervention can authorize ABA through your Medicaid managed care plan.

Step 2: Contact your Medicaid managed care plan

NJ FamilyCare members are enrolled in one of four managed care plans: Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Each plan has its own network of ABA providers. Call the member services number on your child's insurance card and ask for a list of in-network ABA providers in Union County. Be specific: say you need a provider who accepts NJ FamilyCare and is currently accepting new patients. If the plan cannot give a list, ask to speak to a care coordinator or a behavioral health representative.

Step 3: Use the PerformCare system for children 3 to 20

PerformCare is New Jersey's single access point for children's behavioral health services. You do not need a referral to call them. Explain that your child has an autism diagnosis and you are seeking ABA therapy through NJ FamilyCare. PerformCare can help you find a provider and may authorize services. They can also connect you with a care manager who can assist with the process. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, call anyway. The system is designed to help families navigate.

Step 4: Check with your school district

If your child is in public school, the school district may provide ABA through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The following school districts are in Union County: Berkeley Heights, Clark Township, Cranford, Elizabeth, Garwood Boro, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, and Plainfield. Each district has a child study team or special education department. Request an evaluation if your child does not already have an IEP. Even if the district does not provide ABA directly, they may contract with a provider that accepts Medicaid. Ask the special education director: "Does the district have any ABA providers that accept NJ FamilyCare?"

Step 5: Search the NPPES registry yourself

The federal NPPES registry lists all ABA providers who have a National Provider Identifier. You can search by location and taxonomy. In Union County, there are 52 registered providers. The towns with the most are Union (9), Cranford (7), Clark (6), Westfield (6), Elizabeth (4), and Linden (4). However, the registry does not tell you which ones accept Medicaid. You will need to call each provider and ask. A practical tip: start with providers in towns that have multiple listings, as they may have more capacity. Also note that 17 of the 21 municipalities in Union County have at least one provider registered in the town itself, and every town has a provider within 7 miles. So even if your town is not on the list, you have options nearby.

Step 6: Ask the right questions when you call a provider

When you call a potential ABA provider, be direct. Ask: "Do you accept NJ FamilyCare?" If they say yes, ask which managed care plans they are in network with. Some providers accept only certain plans. Then ask: "Are you currently accepting new patients for ABA therapy?" Wait times vary and are not predictable, so ask for a rough estimate but do not rely on it. Also ask if they provide in-home, clinic-based, or school-based services. If your child is under 3, confirm that they work with Early Intervention.

Step 7: If you hit a dead end, escalate

If you cannot find a provider who accepts Medicaid, contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services or the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. They oversee NJ FamilyCare. You can also file a complaint with the managed care plan if they fail to provide an adequate network. In some cases, you may be able to request a single case agreement for an out-of-network provider if no in-network provider is available. This is not guaranteed, but it is worth asking your plan's care coordinator about.

What about after age 21?

Once your child turns 21, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) becomes the main agency. DDD can fund ABA through the Supports Program or Community Care Waiver. However, the transition planning should start well before age 21. Ask your PerformCare care manager or your child's school to help you connect with DDD. The earlier you start, the smoother the transition.

Remember: you are not alone

Union County has a large number of ABA providers relative to its population. While finding one that accepts Medicaid can take persistence, the resources are there. Use the steps above. Call the agencies. Ask the questions. And if you get stuck, reach out to the special education parent advisory group in your school district or a local autism support group. They may have word-of-mouth recommendations that are not on any registry.