Texas

Texas requires a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential through the Texas Behavior Analyst Licensing Program under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Medicaid ABA benefits are delivered via STAR Kids, STAR Health, and STAR+PLUS managed care organizations.

Snapshot

• Payment Model: Hybrid — Medicaid MCO + strong commercial insurance market
• Typical Reimbursement: $15–$45 per 15-minute unit
• Licensure Timeline: 12–18 weeks
• Licensing Authority: TDLR Behavior Analyst Licensing Program
• Medicaid Authority: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Launch Steps

1. File Texas Certificate of Formation (LLC) with Secretary of State
2. Register for Texas Franchise Tax with Comptroller
3. Obtain EIN from IRS
4. Apply for NPI — Type 1 and Type 2
5. Apply for Texas LBA license through TDLR
6. Register LLC with TDLR as a Behavior Analyst practice
7. Secure professional liability and commercial general liability insurance
8. Create PEMS account at Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP)
9. Submit Medicaid provider enrollment through PEMS
10. Credential with MCOs (Superior HealthPlan, Amerigroup, Molina, United, BCBS)
11. Obtain commercial auto insurance if providing in-home services
12. Hire and credential RBTs
13. Set up supervision protocol (5% BACB minimum)
14. Adopt HIPAA-compliant EHR and billing system

Key Contacts

• Texas Secretary of State: LLC formation
• TDLR Behavior Analyst Licensing: state LBA credential
• TMHP (PEMS Portal): Medicaid provider enrollment
• Texas HHSC: Medicaid policy and MCO oversight

Notes

Preview content. The full Texas package includes the current TDLR fee schedule, PEMS walkthrough, MCO credentialing contact directory, and the 14-step interactive checklist.