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How ABA Insurance Authorization Works in the East Bay: Kaiser, CCHP & RCEB

By the Animate Behavior clinical team · Reviewed by Yaz Aboul-Fetouh, BCBA
A plain-spoken guide to how ABA authorization and funding works in the East Bay.

For a lot of East Bay families, the hardest part of starting ABA isn't the therapy — it's the paperwork. Here's a plain-spoken walk-through of how ABA gets authorized and funded, and what we handle for you.

First, the good news: California requires coverage

Under California law (SB 946), state-regulated health plans must cover medically necessary behavioral health treatment for autism, including ABA. If your child has an autism diagnosis and your plan is through Kaiser or CCHP, you're very likely entitled to coverage.

The funders we work with

  • Kaiser Permanente — ABA benefits coordinated through Kaiser referrals.
  • Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) — a primary payer for many East Bay families; we handle prior authorization end-to-end.
  • Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) — for eligible clients across the East Bay.

We don't currently bill Medi-Cal directly, though some RCEB clients are Medi-Cal eligible through a separate pathway.

How prior authorization works, step by step

  1. You submit our short intake form, and we confirm whether we're the right fit.
  2. We verify your benefits and request prior authorization from your plan.
  3. A BCBA completes the assessment that establishes medical necessity.
  4. Once approved, sessions begin — and we re-authorize on an ongoing basis (typically every six months) based on your child's progress.

How long does it take?

For Kaiser and CCHP families, the typical timeline from intake to first session is four to eight weeks — sometimes faster. RCEB cases vary. We'll keep you updated and advocate on your behalf if there are authorization delays.

What will it cost our family?

For in-network clients, your standard plan copays apply. We never ask families to pay out of pocket for services your plan covers, and we'll help you confirm your specific cost-share before services begin.

Not sure where your plan stands? Send us your information and we'll help you find out — call (510) 500-5124 or fill out our intake form, and our clinical team will follow up within one business day.

This article is general information, not legal, medical, or insurance advice. Coverage depends on your specific plan and eligibility.

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