For many families, starting ABA therapy in January provides several advantages, especially because this is when insurance plan benefits typically reset. Most insurance plans run on a calendar year, meaning that benefits and deductibles will reset at the start of the new year. 

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This reset can provide a strategic opportunity to start or continue ABA therapy. If your policy resets in January, it may be beneficial to consider this timing for your family.

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Maximize Insurance Benefits

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Getting the most out of your insurance benefits can often come down to lining up the start of care with the beginning of your policy's reset and then keeping your services consistent moving forward.

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Many insurance plans have both a deductible and an Out-of-Pocket maximum you need to reach each policy year to get the most assistance from the provider.

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Deductible Reset

Any expenses you incur after January 1st will count towards your new deductible for the year. Your deductible must be satisfied before your insurance plan covers their portion of the cost. 

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Starting ABA in January allows you to make the most use of your benefits earlier in the year by helping to satisfy your deductible quickly. Most families receiving ABA will find that their deductible is satisfied within the first few weeks of a new policy year, allowing them to utilize the full benefits of their insurance coverage for the remainder of the year! 

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Out-of-Pocket Maximum Reset

Once you have reached your Out-of-Pocket maximum for the year, your insurance plan covers 100% of your healthcare costs for the remainder of the year. 

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In addition to helping satisfy your deductible early, enrolling in ABA early in your policy year allows you to meet your OOP max sooner. Meeting this maximum means more of your covered services will be paid for by your insurance at no cost to you! 

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Better Budget Planning

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Budgeting accordingly for your child's ABA therapy is essential, as is any expense. Having the entire policy year to work through your costs can make them more manageable as you naturally balance other important life expenses.

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Predictable Expenses

With a new deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, you can better predict your therapy-related expenses. Knowing these costs will reset each January helps you plan and manage your family's budget more effectively.

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Spreading Costs

Starting services in January will help spread the costs over the entire year. This can be more manageable than incurring significant expenses all at once or towards the end of the year. 

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Payment Plans

BPI offers the option for monthly payment plans, which can also help budget and spread the cost of services throughout the year. A monthly payment amount is determined based on your OOP max, and you are responsible for making only that monthly payment each month instead of owing your entire deductible amount within the first weeks of the year. 

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Ensure Continuous Care

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One of ABA's most prominent pillars is consistency. Providing our learners with consistent and continuous care is essential in their journey to progress. Consistency builds trust with the clinicians and ensures a steady path forward as your child masters new skills.

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Consistent Schedule

Starting early in the new year ensures your child receives consistent therapy throughout the year without gaps due to insurance transitions or benefit changes. It also gives your child a predictable schedule they can rely on right at the start of the year.

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Routines may change during certain parts of the year, but establishing a consistent schedule with your care team at the start of the year provides a stable foundation for growth.  

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Early Progress

Early enrollment in therapy allows more time to address developmental goals and track progress effectively, which is crucial for maximizing the benefits of ABA. The sooner a child starts, the sooner new skills can be learned, mastered, and generalized into new environments.

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Beginning therapy in January can often mean a child will be making all kinds of progress by the summer. With ABA therapy, it can take as little as six months to see many changes in their communication, social, and fine motor skills.

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To help you prepare for the year ahead, you should:

1. Review your current insurance plan: Check your policy details to ensure that ABA is a covered service and note any changes to your deductible or OOP max amounts. 
2. Budget Accordingly: Plan your finances for the year ahead by being aware of your deductible and OOP max amounts. This is also a good time to review your HSA/FSA balances and see if those funds can be used toward therapy costs!
3. Consult with your provider: Reach out to your provider to discuss any planned changes to your coverage in the new year. 

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Starting ABA services in January can be a smart strategy to optimize your insurance benefits, manage costs effectively, and ensure continuous care for your child. By taking advantage of the policy reset, you set your family up for a successful year of therapy and progress.

If you have questions about how to navigate your insurance plan or need help understanding your benefits, feel free to contact BPI by calling us at (888) 308-3728 or emailing info@bpiaba.com. We're here to support you and help you make the most informed decisions for your family's needs!