DoD & TRICARE Launch Pilot Program To Provide ABA Autism Treatment As Medical Benefit

On July 25, 2013, the Department of Defense (DoD) and TRICARE launched a pilot program to provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) as a medical benefit for children age 18 months or older diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previously, the DoD and TRICARE provided coverage of ABA as an adjunct educational benefit. The 12-month program will provide coverage for treatment up to $36,000; families with children enrolled in the pilot will pay 10% as cost sharing. The pilot program is available to children enrolled in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Young Adult-Prime, the US Family Health Plan, TRICARE Standard . . .