A plain-language guide to paying for autism therapy in Illinois: insurance, Medicaid, All Kids, PUNS and waivers, SSI, IL ABLE accounts, respite and grants.
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The short answer: Illinois families have several ways to pay for autism therapy. The main ones are private insurance (an Illinois law requires many plans to cover autism care, including ABA, for children under 21), Illinois Medicaid (which has covered ABA for children since November 2020) and All Kids, the PUNS list for long-term waiver support, and a handful of grants. Some programs have waiting lists, so it helps to sign up early, even when your child is young.
If you're piecing this together between appointments and bedtime, you're not behind. Most families learn this system one step at a time. This guide puts the steps in order.
Illinois's autism insurance law (215 ILCS 5/356z.14) requires state-regulated health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism for people under 21. That includes ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological care, when ordered by a physician.
What to do: ask your HR team whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded, then call the number on your insurance card and ask whether ABA, speech and occupational therapy are covered for autism. If you run into trouble, the Illinois Department of Insurance's consumer health line can help: 1-877-527-9431.
Illinois Medicaid covers ABA for children and young adults through age 20 with an autism diagnosis, as of November 1, 2020. Prior approval is required. Medicaid also covers speech, occupational and physical therapy.
All Kids is Illinois's health coverage program for children, with free and low-cost levels based on family income. For a family of four, the free level covers incomes up to about $3,246 a month, and premium levels go up to about $7,023 a month, with premiums capped at $80 a month per family. All Kids children are enrolled in the same Medicaid health plans, but confirm ABA coverage with your plan.
PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) is Illinois's waiting list for long-term developmental disability support, including the Support Waiver for Children and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities. That waiver serves children ages 3 through 21 living at home and can pay for things like behavioral supports, in-home help, adaptive equipment and home modifications. Your family's income isn't counted for the waiver.
The catch is the wait. Children are selected from PUNS only when funding opens up, and families are selected based on how long they've been on the list. That's why the most useful thing you can do is register early.
Illinois doesn't have a Katie Beckett program like some states, but the children's waivers fill a similar role by not counting parents' income. For children with complex medical needs, the Medically Fragile, Technology Dependent waiver is run through the University of Illinois Division of Specialized Care for Children: 1-800-322-3722.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays a monthly benefit to children under 18 with a qualifying disability whose families have limited income and resources. Part of the parents' income counts toward eligibility, so many middle-income families won't qualify. The maximum federal payment in 2026 is $994 a month, and children who receive SSI in Illinois also get Medicaid. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
An IL ABLE account, run by the Illinois State Treasurer, lets families save for disability-related expenses with tax advantages. The first $100,000 doesn't count against SSI. Anyone whose disability began before age 46 can have one, and family and friends can contribute up to $20,000 a year in total. Learn more at illinoisable.com or call 888-609-8683.
Illinois funds respite care, like in-home help or a few hours of group care, for children with developmental disabilities who aren't on a waiver. Start with the Illinois Respite Coalition at 866-455-7377 (866-ILL-RESP). It can point you to local providers and to emergency respite vouchers.
Each of these has its own rules and funding cycles, and money is limited, so apply to more than one if your family qualifies.
Our Illinois centers check your benefits before your child's first visit, so you know what's covered before you commit. In Illinois we accept BCBS PPO, BCBS Blue Choice, BCBS HMO (Endeavor Health and Ascension), TriWest, UnitedHealthcare and United Behavioral Health.
For more on how coverage works, see Is ABA covered by insurance?
Often, yes. Illinois law requires state-regulated health plans to cover autism treatment, including ABA, for people under 21. Self-funded employer plans aren't covered by that law, but many cover ABA anyway. Illinois Medicaid also covers ABA for children through age 20.
Yes. Illinois Medicaid has covered ABA for children and young adults through age 20 with an autism diagnosis since November 2020. Prior approval is required.
PUNS is Illinois's waiting list for developmental disability services like the children's support waiver. Selection depends on how long you've been on the list, so it's worth registering early through your local Independent Service Coordination agency. Signing up doesn't commit you to anything.
Yes. The Chicago Autism Network, ACT Today! and the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation all offer grants that can help pay for therapy. Each has its own eligibility rules and application windows.
Program details change, so confirm amounts and deadlines with each program before you apply. Sources: Illinois Compiled Statutes 215 ILCS 5/356z.14; Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (Medicaid ABA notices, All Kids income chart, waiver pages); Illinois Department of Human Services (PUNS, respite); Illinois Department of Early Childhood; Social Security Administration; Illinois State Treasurer (IL ABLE); each grant organization's website. Last checked October 2026.
Our Illinois team checks your benefits before your child's first visit, so you know what's covered before you commit.
One call is enough to start. Call 817-984-8655 and we'll check your benefits for you.
Gracent Pediatric Therapy — formerly Pine Cone Therapies in Texas and includes three North Shore Pediatric Therapy centers in Illinois — is part of the Gracent network and a sister company to North Shore Pediatric Therapy. Together, we’re creating connected, compassionate care for children and families across every stage of growth.
Services at North Shore Pediatric Therapy and Gracent Pediatric Therapy centers are provided by affiliated professional corporations.
