Minnesota offers some of the most comprehensive Medicaid-funded autism services in the country — but the application process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the system. This guide walks you through everything step by step.
Understanding the Difference: EIDBI vs. Waivers
Many parents use the terms “Medicaid waiver” and “EIDBI” interchangeably, but they are different things:
- EIDBI (Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention) is a standard Medicaid benefit in Minnesota — meaning any child enrolled in Medical Assistance who qualifies can receive it without being on a waitlist.
- Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Waivers (such as the Brain Injury Waiver, CAC Waiver, or CADI Waiver) are supplemental programs that cover additional services, but they often have waitlists.
Good news: Because EIDBI is a standard benefit, there is no waitlist. If your child qualifies, services can begin quickly after authorization.
Step 1: Enroll Your Child in Minnesota Medical Assistance
EIDBI requires Medical Assistance (MA) — Minnesota’s Medicaid program. If your child is not already enrolled:
- Apply online at MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873
- Apply in person at your county’s Human Services office
- If you receive SNAP or cash assistance, your child may already be enrolled
Income limits are generous — most children with a disability qualify even if their parents have moderate income. An eligibility worker at your county can tell you for certain.
Step 2: Get an Official Autism Diagnosis
To access EIDBI, your child needs a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related condition from a licensed provider. If you don’t have this yet:
- Ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral to a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist
- Children’s Minnesota, M Health Fairview, and Hennepin Healthcare all offer developmental evaluations
- MHCP covers the cost of a diagnostic evaluation
The evaluation typically takes 2–4 hours and results in a written report you’ll need for EIDBI authorization.
Step 3: Contact an EIDBI Provider
Once you have a diagnosis and Medicaid enrollment, contact an EIDBI provider. They will:
- Conduct an initial intake and assessment
- Develop a treatment plan with a Qualified Supervising Professional (QSP)
- Submit an authorization request to your child’s Medicaid health plan
- Begin services once authorization is approved (usually within 1–2 weeks)
Aspire Counseling handles the entire authorization process for our families. Call us at (952) 600-4940 to get started.
Step 4: Request a Case Manager (Optional but Helpful)
Children enrolled in Minnesota Medical Assistance are entitled to a free case manager through their county. A case manager can:
- Help coordinate all of your child’s services
- Connect you with additional county programs and supports
- Help navigate school IEP processes
- Apply for supplemental HCBS waiver services
To request a case manager, contact your county’s Social Services department and ask for a “developmental disability case manager” or “children’s mental health case manager.”
Step 5: Consider HCBS Waiver Programs for Additional Support
If your child needs more support than EIDBI covers, Minnesota offers several HCBS waiver programs:
- DD Waiver (Developmental Disabilities) — for individuals with intellectual disabilities; covers residential support, respite, day programs
- CAC Waiver (Community Access for Disability Inclusion) — for adults with physical disabilities; limited pediatric applicability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder HCBS Waiver — currently being expanded in Minnesota
These programs have waitlists, so the sooner you apply, the better — even if you don’t need them right now.
Need Help Navigating This?
The process can feel complicated, especially if English is not your first language or you are new to Minnesota’s systems. Aspire Counseling’s care coordinators speak Somali, Spanish, and Amharic and can walk you through every step.
Call us at (952) 600-4940 or start your journey here.