Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) provides comprehensive, evidence-based autism services at no cost to eligible Minnesota families through Medical Assistance.
Our EIDBI program combines Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, developmental services, and family support to help children with autism reach their full potential.
Your child may qualify if they meet these criteria
Services can start as early as 18 months and continue through age 20
Autism spectrum disorder or related developmental condition diagnosis
Complete comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation by qualified team
MA (Medical Assistance), MinnesotaCare, or MA-TEFRA eligibility
EIDBI is a Minnesota Health Care Programs benefit for children and youth with autism or a related condition, up to age 21. The benefit funds medically necessary, early and intensive intervention.
Eligibility ties to a confirmed diagnosis, a comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation, enrollment in a qualifying health program, and age. Qualifying coverage includes Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.
Families reach EIDBI in different ways. Some qualify for Medical Assistance based on income. Others use MA under the TEFRA option, which looks at the child's income and disability status, not the full household income. TEFRA routes children with disabilities into MA to cover EIDBI services. Apply through your county or tribal agency.
EIDBI supports several treatment modalities. Minnesota lists Applied Behavior Analysis, DIR or Floortime, Early Start Denver Model, and Relationship Development Intervention as approved approaches. Play Project and Early Social Interaction were removed effective July 1, 2025.
ABA is a clinical approach that applies learning principles to increase helpful behaviors and reduce behaviors that impede learning. Providers deliver ABA across settings, with individualized goals and data-driven methods.
EIDBI is the Minnesota insurance benefit that pays for early intensive intervention when medically necessary. Within EIDBI, providers use ABA or other approved modalities listed by the state. Think of EIDBI as the coverage framework, and ABA as one of the treatment models delivered inside that framework.
If your child qualifies for MA through income rules or through TEFRA based on disability, EIDBI services, including ABA when appropriate, receive coverage. This route often eliminates out-of-pocket costs for families.
EIDBI provides everything your family needs in one coordinated program
EIDBI services are fully covered under Minnesota Health Care Programs
Comprehensive online resource connecting families to autism services, providers, and support throughout Minnesota.
Parent advocacy organization providing information, training, and support to families of children with disabilities.
Advocacy organization promoting and protecting human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Free service helping Minnesota families find early childhood programs, resources, and support for children with special needs.
Family-run organization supporting children with social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
Connecting families raising children with disabilities and special health care needs through peer support.
