They are different programs. For a child under 21, ABA comes through Medicaid and the child's health plan, not the iBudget. The iBudget is the waiver run by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). It pays for home and community supports, and it covers behavior analysis from age 21.
What does each one cover?
Florida Medicaid covers medically necessary behavior analysis until age 21, approved and paid for by the child's plan. AHCA says behavior analysis from age 21 is available through the iBudget. The iBudget pays for other supports for living in the community. APD's August 2026 report lists services such as support coordination, personal supports, respite care for people under 21, life skills development and transportation.
Who qualifies?
APD says a person must live in Florida, be at least 3 years old and have a diagnosed developmental disability, such as autism, that began before age 18. To get iBudget services, state law also requires Medicaid eligibility, among other conditions.
How do I apply in Palm Beach County?
Fill out the APD application (a Spanish version is available) and deliver it by mail or in person, with diagnosis records and proof that you live in Florida, to the APD office for your area. For Palm Beach County that is the West Palm Beach office: 111 South Sapodilla Avenue, Suite 204, phone (561) 837-5564. In most cases, state law gives APD 60 days after a complete application to decide, or 15 days in a crisis.
How does the waitlist work?
If APD approves your child and there is no funding to enroll them, they go into pre-enrollment by priority category. People in crisis come first. Children under 21 who do not fit categories 1 to 4 go into category 7, and within categories 3 to 7 the order follows the date eligibility was approved.
APD's August 2026 report counts 37,645 people enrolled in the iBudget and 15,504 in pre-enrollment as of June 1, 2026. Another table in the same report, as of July 1, counts 15,451 and shows that about a third had waited more than 10 years. These numbers cover all ages and all APD disabilities, not only autism.
Why apply early?
Because the eligibility date sets the order within each category. Even if your child already gets ABA through Medicaid, applying early gives them a place in line for age 21 or for other supports. No one can promise when a slot will open; it depends on funding. Paramount Behavior does not handle APD applications. For ABA under 21 with Medicaid, call us at (561) 421-0047.
Does being on the APD waitlist give my child Medicaid?
No. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) decides Medicaid. APD tells families who think they qualify to contact DCF. Our page on autism and Medicaid explains how.
Can APD pay for ABA for my 8-year-old?
APD says people under 21 may qualify for services under the Medicaid State Plan, and AHCA says Florida Medicaid covers behavior analysis until age 21. That is the path for a child.
General information as of October 30, 2026, not legal advice. APD rules and numbers change, so confirm with APD. In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
- Behavior Analysis Services Information. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Quarterly Report on Agency Services to Floridians with Developmental Disabilities and Their Costs, FY 2025-26 Fourth Quarter (August 15, 2026). Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Section 393.065, Florida Statutes (2026): Application and eligibility determination. The Florida Senate, accessed October 30, 2026.
- Apply for Services. Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), accessed October 30, 2026.
- Southeast Region: Contact Us. Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), accessed October 30, 2026.