Cigna typically covers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) under behavioral health or outpatient benefits. As an in-network provider, Heart Core ABA helps families navigate this coverage through the following policy requirements and services:

### 1. Medical Necessity Criteria To qualify for coverage, Cigna requires that the therapy meets specific clinical standards, including:

• A formal autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.
• A treatment plan developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
• Evidence that the therapy is essential for the child’s development and skill-building.

### 2. Prior Authorization Most Cigna plans require prior authorization before therapy can begin. Heart Core ABA manages this entire process by gathering clinical documentation, submitting requests, and following up with Cigna on your behalf.

### 3. Costs and Plan Variations Coverage details vary significantly depending on whether a plan is self-funded, fully insured, or subject to specific state mandates. Key financial considerations include:

• Deductibles: Most plans require meeting a deductible before coverage starts.
• Cost-sharing: Families may be responsible for copays or coinsurance for each session.
• Limits: Some plans may have session caps or hour maximums.

### 4. Covered Services Cigna coverage generally applies to several types of support, including:

• 1:1 in-home ABA therapy sessions.
• Parent coaching and weekly updates.
• Oversight by a dedicated BCBA.

To ensure transparency, Heart Core ABA offers an expedited insurance verification process within 1–2 days to provide a clear breakdown of specific plan benefits and out-of-pocket costs.