By: John Wildfire, Vice President, Healthcare Practice Leader, One80 Intermediaries | PMC Insurance Group, Part of the Arrowhead Intermediaries Team
Independent insurance agents often ask, “What are some underserved business sectors I should be looking at in order to grow my book?”
If you’re one of them—and especially if you focus on the healthcare industry—consider organizations that work with individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
This sector remains vastly underserved, yet has seen significant growth, driven by rising demand and supportive legislation. It’s a wide-open opportunity, especially for agents who want to specialize and become true advisors in a niche that matters.
“But I Don’t Know Anything About That…”
Not a problem; most insurance agents don’t.
And that’s exactly why you should consider this space—because few others have. It’s your chance to lead and stay ahead of the pack.
The Rising Need: Autism Diagnoses Are Soaring
Take a look at the data:
- In the late 1960s and 70s, autism was considered extremely rare—just 1 in 2,500 children.
- By the 1990s, that jumped to 2–7 per 1,000.
- Around the year 2000, the rate was 1 in 150.
- By 2010: 1 in 68.
- By 2020: 1 in 32.
- And today? That number continues to rise.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming one of the most prevalent developmental disabilities in the country. As diagnoses increase, so does the demand for services—and the businesses that provide them.
What Does This Mean for Insurance Agents?
While supporting children and families affected by ASD is the top priority, there’s also an expanding ecosystem of businesses and nonprofits which deliver strategies to offer care and personal growth. One such example is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy which focuses on the improvement of cognitive and functional skills.
Any and all of these groups need insurance.
Thanks to state-level legislation in nearly all 50 states, insurance carriers are now required to cover the cost of care for many children with developmental disabilities. That’s great news for families — it also means growth opportunities for agents who can support the organizations delivering that care.
These businesses, however, are not without their challenges:
- Navigating state-specific licensing and accreditation requirements.
- Hiring specialized, certified professionals, which can be difficult and expensive.
- Lack of consistent public funding, leading many providers to rely on private pay, which limits access for many families.
If you have ever served the home healthcare (HHC) industry, this may sound familiar. It is almost exactly where home healthcare stood 20 years ago—and look how much that sector has exploded since!
A Moment of Transformation
We’re at a tipping point.
More funding is coming. More awareness is shared. More businesses are entering the space. And they all need help from professionals who understand their unique risks and can tailor coverage solutions to protect them.
ABA therapy is often delivered by a group of licensed professionals known as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Demand for these specialists has exploded.
According to a 2025 report from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board:
- There was 58% job growth for BCBAs between 2023 and 2024
- Top states for job postings include:
- California
- Massachusetts
- Texas
- New Jersey
- Florida
- Also in demand: Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
- Currently, there are 65,000 to 100,000 job postings—nearly as many as the total number of certified BCBAs today
- Average national salary = $64,311. In high-demand markets, salaries exceed $90,000+
More professionals means more payroll. More payroll leads to more revenue, a greater liability exposure, and a higher demand for specialized insurance solutions.
This is your chance to become an expert in the field. Our team can help you along the way.
The Future Is Bright — And It Starts Now
If you’re serious about growing your book in healthcare, don’t overlook intellectual and developmental disability service providers. From therapists and clinics to community programs and therapy centers, this is a space full of passion, expansion and potential.
It’s not just a good business decision—it’s a chance to support those doing truly meaningful work.
Ready to specialize in a growing, mission-driven niche?
Learn the space, and make a difference. Contact me directly at [email protected] for more information and coverage solutions for all your healthcare clients.
