What Is EIDBI in Minnesota? A Plain-English Guide for Minneapolis Families

1. Why Minnesota's EIDBI Program Matters for Your Family

If your child has autism or a related developmental condition and you live in Minneapolis or the surrounding suburbs, you may hear people mention "EIDBI."

That acronym can feel like one more confusing thing on an already overwhelming journey. But understanding EIDBI is important, because it's often the main way families in Minnesota get intensive autism services paid for through Medical Assistance and related programs. (Minnesota Department of Human Services)

This guide is written for parents and caregivers. No legalese, no insurance jargon—just a clear explanation of:

• What EIDBI is
• Who qualifies
• What services it covers
• How it fits with ABA therapy and other supports
• What to do next if you think your child may be eligible

2. What Is EIDBI?

EIDBI stands for Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention.

It's a Minnesota-specific health benefit that:

• Provides medically necessary therapy and supports for children, youth, and young adults under age 21
• Is designed for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related conditions
• Is paid for through Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, MA-TEFRA, or other qualifying programs (Minnesota Department of Human Services)

State law authorizes EIDBI to cover three big areas:

1. A comprehensive evaluation to determine needs
2. Ongoing progress monitoring
3. Early intensive treatment for autism or related conditions (MN Revisor's Office)

Put simply: EIDBI is Minnesota's way of making sure kids with autism and related conditions can access intensive, evidence-based support—and that families aren't left to figure it out alone.

3. Who Can Get EIDBI? (Eligibility in Plain Language)

According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), a child or young adult is eligible for EIDBI if they meet all of the following: (Minnesota Department of Human Services)

1. Age:
   • Younger than 21 years old
2. Diagnosis:
   • Has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a closely related developmental condition (for example, developmental conditions that impact communication, learning, and daily living in ways similar to autism)
3. Evaluation (CMDE):
   • Has had a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) that shows EIDBI services are medically necessary
4. Insurance/coverage:
   • Is enrolled in a qualifying health program such as:
     • Medical Assistance (MA)
     • MinnesotaCare
     • MA-TEFRA
     • Or another qualifying Minnesota Health Care Programs plan (mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal)

Who can make a referral?

Anyone—you as the parent, a pediatrician, school staff, a case manager, or another provider—can refer a child for EIDBI services or for a CMDE to see if they qualify. (mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal)

4. What Services Does EIDBI Cover?

EIDBI isn't just one type of therapy. It's a bundle of services designed to surround your child and family with coordinated support. DHS and Minnesota health plans describe the following as covered EIDBI services: (co.itasca.mn.us)

5. How EIDBI Connects to ABA Therapy in Minnesota

A lot of families ask:

"Is EIDBI the same as ABA?"

Not exactly—but they often work together.

• EIDBI is the insurance benefit / funding framework created by Minnesota law. (MN Revisor's Office)
• ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is one type of clinical approach commonly used within EIDBI intervention services.

Under EIDBI, providers can use evidence-based behavioral and developmental approaches (including ABA) to:

• Build communication, play, and social skills
• Support daily living skills (dressing, feeding, toileting)
• Reduce behaviors that are unsafe or that get in the way of learning and participation

The benefit also emphasizes family training, long-term quality of life, and community participation—not just clinic-based goals. (Minnesota Chiropractic School)

6. What This Looks Like Day-to-Day in Minneapolis & the Twin Cities

Every child's plan is different, but here's a common pattern we see with families in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and surrounding suburbs:

1. Concern & referral
   • Parent, pediatrician, or school staff notices ongoing challenges (communication, behavior, social play, daily living).
   • A referral is made for a CMDE and possibly other evaluations.
2. CMDE & eligibility
   • A CMDE provider completes the comprehensive evaluation.
   • If EIDBI criteria are met, medical necessity is documented and submitted.
3. Choosing a provider & writing the ITP
   • Family selects an EIDBI provider (in-home, center-based, or hybrid).
   • A qualified provider writes the Individual Treatment Plan based on CMDE findings and parent priorities.
4. Starting intervention
   • Sessions might happen in your home, in a clinic, or a mix.
   • Hours per week depend on your child's needs, your schedule, and the plan.
5. Ongoing family training
   • Parents/caregivers meet regularly with the clinical team to practice strategies, get coaching, and adjust goals.
6. Progress reviews & updates
   • The team tracks data, reviews progress, and updates the ITP.
   • The CMDE is updated at least every three years, or sooner if needed. (Minnesota Department of Human Services)

7. How Parents Can Advocate Within the EIDBI System

Here are practical ways to stay in the driver's seat:

• Ask about EIDBI specifically. When you call a provider, ask: "Are you an enrolled EIDBI provider with Minnesota Health Care Programs?"
• Request a CMDE if you don't have one. Ask your pediatrician or potential therapy provider how to schedule a CMDE to determine medical necessity.
• Bring your priorities to the table. Before meetings, write down 2–3 top goals (for example, "more independent toileting," "safer behavior in public," "using words or a device to ask for help").
• Review your ITP. Make sure the plan reflects your child's real life: daycare/school schedule, home routines, cultural practices, language, and family values. Minnesota policy explicitly says services must be person- and family-centered. (Minnesota Department of Human Services)
• Keep copies of key documents. Store your CMDE, ITPs, progress reports, and school IEPs in one folder (paper or digital). This makes it easier to move between providers or appeal coverage decisions if needed.

8. FAQs About EIDBI for Minnesota Families

9. How Ability Avenues Can Help Your Family Navigate EIDBI

If you're in Minneapolis or nearby suburbs and you're staring at acronyms (EIDBI, CMDE, ITP, MA, TEFRA) thinking, "I just want my child to get help," you're not alone.

Here's how a provider like Ability Avenues can support you through the EIDBI process:

• Explain your options: We can walk you through how EIDBI works alongside ABA therapy and other services.
• Help you connect with a CMDE provider: If you don't have a recent CMDE, we can share local resources and help you understand what to ask.
• Translate reports into action: Once your CMDE and ITP are in place, we help turn them into day-to-day routines, goals, and support strategies.
• Partner with you long-term: We regularly review progress, adjust goals, and make sure services stay aligned with your child's growth and your family's values.