Articles that answer one question at a time
Every article starts as a question a Minnesota parent actually asks us — answered plainly, with the state rule cited, before we ask anything of you.
Straight MA, a health plan, or TEFRA? Which one your child has
Medical Assistance reaches families three ways, and the difference decides who approves therapy hours and which providers you can choose. How to tell from the cards in your wallet.
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16 articles
- What is EIDBI? Minnesota's autism therapy benefit, explainedPaying for therapyEIDBI is the Minnesota benefit that pays for autism therapy, including ABA. Who it's for, what it covers, and how to access it step by step.
- EIDBI vs. ABA: two words you'll hear together, untangledPaying for therapyEIDBI is how Minnesota pays for therapy; ABA is a therapy it pays for. What that difference means when you're choosing a provider.
- How much does ABA therapy cost in Minnesota?Paying for therapyThe national cost picture, then the Minnesota difference: how EIDBI and TEFRA change the number for most families — and the options if they don't apply to yours.
- Does my child qualify for EIDBI? The eligibility checklistPaying for therapyThe four criteria unpacked one by one, the common misconceptions (family income isn't a criterion), and what to do if your child isn't eligible yet.
- TEFRA in Minnesota: Medical Assistance for your child, whatever you earnPaying for therapyTEFRA lets a child qualify for MA on the child's own income, with parental income disregarded — and no parental fee for children living at home. How to apply through your county.
- How to choose an ABA provider in MinnesotaChoosing & startingThe questions worth asking any provider — including us — plus the red flags to walk away from and the Minnesota-specific checks: EIDBI enrollment, MA acceptance.
- In-home vs. center-based ABA: choosing your child's settingChoosing & startingThe honest trade-offs both ways — generalization at home, peers and structure at the center — and how the one-setting choice works in practice.
- What the first ABA session actually looks likeChoosing & startingFirst sessions look like play — that's deliberate. What the behavior technician does, what the BCBA does, what you do, and what's normal in the early weeks.
A question we haven't written up yet?
Ask it anyway. You don't need to be a client, and you won't get a sales call — we'll answer what we know, and your question may become the next article on this page.
Articles here are educational, not medical advice, and program rules change. For decisions about your child's care or coverage, talk with your child's provider or your county — every policy claim we publish cites its Minnesota source so you can check us against it.
Not sure where to start? That's okay. Most families aren't.
Call us. We'll help you figure out eligibility, coverage, and next steps. The first conversation needs no paperwork at all.