Yes, you can switch, but the new agency needs its own prior authorization, so your Medicaid plan decides the hours again. Sunshine Health, for example, requires a new authorization and a Change of Provider form. Start the paperwork before you leave your current agency, and confirm the new one is in your plan's network.
What happens to my child's hours when I switch?
AHCA says all ABA (behavior analysis) services need prior authorization, and the provider sends the request to your child's managed care plan. When services move from one agency to another, Sunshine Health says a new prior authorization is required, and it points to its member Change of Provider form.
The new agency's lead analyst (such as a BCBA) assesses your child and writes a behavior plan, and your child's health plan decides what to approve based on medical necessity. The hours approved before may not be the hours approved next. Neither AHCA nor Sunshine Health says that the earlier hours or end date carry over to the new agency, so do not assume they will; ask your plan's Member Services what happens to any remaining hours before you move.
How do I switch with the fewest gaps?
- Confirm the new agency is in your child's plan network. AHCA says the plan can help you find one; Sunshine Health Member Services is 1-866-796-0530.
- Ask the new agency to send its request while your child still attends the current one, and ask both when the current authorization ends.
- Keep a copy of your child's comprehensive diagnostic evaluation (CDE). AHCA says the provider must send a copy with the request, and one CDE is typically enough for the treatment period.
- Expect a new assessment and behavior plan, signed by the lead analyst and by you. Sunshine Health says it decides within 5 calendar days of receiving a request and that one request can cover up to 6 months. Since August 1, 2026, its new requests also need a primary care provider (PCP) acknowledgement form.
What if my agency leaves my plan's network or closes?
Since Medicaid ABA moved into managed care plans on February 1, 2025, some providers have been dropped and others have stopped treating Medicaid clients (WLRN, August 2026). In a May 2026 statement to NBC 6, AHCA said plans must keep enough qualified ABA providers and must provide continuity of care when members have to change providers. If you get a notice, ask your plan's Member Services to help you find a new provider. AHCA says to report problems getting services to the Medicaid helpline, 1-877-254-1055.
What if the new request is denied or reduced?
You can appeal. Sunshine Health says a member must file within 60 days of the date on the denial notice (Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination), so keep the letter; with another plan, check the deadline in its notice. The Florida Health Justice Project has a legal help request form.
Moving to Paramount Behavior
Paramount Behavior is in Greenacres, serves Palm Beach County in English and Spanish, and accepts Florida Medicaid and private insurance. We work with these Florida Medicaid plans in Palm Beach County: Molina Healthcare, Sunshine Health (and we are taking new families), Children's Medical Services Health Plan (CMS Health Plan) and Community Care Plan. We check your child's coverage for free, usually the same day you call, and we can walk you through the change-of-provider paperwork when you switch from another agency. If your child has private insurance or a plan not listed here, call anyway and we will check it. Call (561) 421-0047 with questions.
Do I need a new diagnosis to switch agencies?
Usually not. AHCA says one CDE is typically sufficient for the treatment period, though a plan may ask for an updated one if your child's condition changes. Keep a copy of the report.
Who do I call if I am not sure which plan my child has?
Call the Florida Medicaid helpline at 1-877-254-1055, or the member services number on your child's plan ID card.
What if my child is not in a managed care plan?
AHCA says children not enrolled in an SMMC plan stay under fee-for-service, and their prior authorization goes through Acentra instead of a plan.
General information, not advice for your child. If a gap in therapy is followed by serious self-injury or aggression, call your child's doctor, or 911 in an emergency.
Sources
- Behavior Analysis (BA) Services: Key Information. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), accessed October 21, 2026.
- Behavior Analysis (BA) Services and FAQ. Sunshine Health, accessed October 21, 2026.
- Important Change to Behavior Analysis (BA) Therapies for Medicaid-Enrolled Children. Florida Health Justice Project, accessed October 21, 2026.
- Families raise concerns over delays, fewer autism service options. NBC 6 South Florida (published 2026-05-22), accessed October 21, 2026.
- Why does Florida spend so much money on treatment for children with autism and special needs?. WLRN (published 2026-08-18), accessed October 21, 2026.