Getting to ABA appointments in Union County on NJ FamilyCare

Practical steps for Union County families using NJ FamilyCare to cover ABA therapy, including finding providers, transportation, and school district help.

Published September 7, 2026 · Union County, New Jersey

Understanding NJ FamilyCare coverage for ABA

If your child has an autism diagnosis and a doctor has prescribed applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid and CHIP program) can help cover the cost. The first step is to make sure your child is enrolled in NJ FamilyCare. If you already have coverage, check which managed care plan your child is in. The plans in Union County are Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Each plan has its own network of ABA providers and its own rules for prior authorization. You will need a written prescription or referral for ABA. Your child's pediatrician or developmental specialist can provide this. Then contact your plan's customer service number (the one on the back of your insurance card) and ask for the behavioral health or ABA department. They will tell you what forms to submit and whether you need a prior authorization. Wait times for approval vary, so start the process as soon as you have the prescription.

Finding an ABA provider in Union County

Union County has 52 ABA providers registered on the federal NPPES registry. That is a good place to start your search. You can search the NPPES database online using your child's ZIP code. Every town in Union County has at least one provider within 7 miles, and 17 of the 21 municipalities have a provider inside the town itself. The towns with the most registered providers are Union (9), Cranford (7), Clark (6), Westfield (6), Elizabeth (4), and Linden (4). If you live in a town with fewer providers, you may need to drive a short distance. Call each provider and ask two questions: "Do you accept my NJ FamilyCare managed care plan?" and "Are you accepting new patients?" Some providers may have a wait list. Ask how long the wait typically is, but be aware that the answer may change. You can also ask your child's doctor or early intervention service coordinator for recommendations. If your child is age 3 or older, you can contact PerformCare, the single access point for the Children's System of Care. PerformCare can help you find providers and coordinate services. They do not bill insurance themselves, but they can guide you through the process.

Getting to appointments: transportation options

Once you have a provider, you need a reliable way to get to sessions. ABA therapy often requires multiple visits per week, so transportation is a real concern. NJ FamilyCare offers a benefit called non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for members who have no other way to get to covered appointments. To use this, call your managed care plan's transportation line. You will need to schedule rides in advance, usually 24 to 48 hours ahead. The ride is typically a taxi or a van. Not all families qualify; you may need to show that you do not have a car, cannot drive, or have no one else to drive you. If you do qualify, the plan will arrange the ride and pay for it. Another option is to ask your ABA provider if they offer in-home therapy. Some providers can come to your home, which eliminates travel. Not all providers do this, and availability depends on your area. You can also check with your county's transportation office. Union County runs a paratransit service for people with disabilities, but eligibility and fees vary. Contact the Union County Department of Human Services to ask about their transportation programs. Be prepared to explain your child's needs and your income level.

Working with your child's school district

If your child is school age, the school district may be involved in ABA therapy. In New Jersey, school districts can provide ABA as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The school districts in Union County include Berkeley Heights School District, Clark Township Public School District, Cranford Public School District, Elizabeth Public Schools, Garwood Boro, Hillside Public School District, Kenilworth School District, Linden Public School District, Mountainside School District, and Plainfield Public School District. If your child has an IEP that includes ABA, the school district is responsible for providing the therapy, either at school or at a location they arrange. They may also provide transportation to and from the therapy site. If you want ABA added to your child's IEP, request an IEP meeting in writing. You can also ask the district's child study team about transportation. If the school district does not offer ABA directly, they may contract with a private provider. In that case, the provider may be located near the school. Ask your child's case manager for details.

What if your child is under 3 or over 21?

Coverage rules change with age. For children under 3, the New Jersey Early Intervention System handles services. If your child is under 3 and has a developmental delay or autism diagnosis, you can contact Early Intervention directly. They will evaluate your child and, if eligible, create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). ABA therapy can be included in the IFSP. Early Intervention also helps with service coordination and may assist with transportation. For young adults over 21, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) takes over. DDD provides services through a system of supports and may fund ABA or other therapies. However, the transition from NJ FamilyCare to DDD is not automatic. You need to apply for DDD eligibility before your child turns 21. The process can take months, so start early. Contact the Union County DDD office or your child's service coordinator to learn the steps. Keep in mind that after 21, NJ FamilyCare may still cover medical care, but therapy coverage may shift to DDD. Ask your managed care plan and DDD about how ABA will be handled.

Getting to ABA appointments in Union County takes planning, but you have resources. Start with your insurance plan, then explore transportation benefits, school district options, and age-specific programs. Each family's situation is different, so ask questions and keep notes. You can do this.