DoD Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration
The DoD Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration provides TRICARE reimbursement for Educational Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders services delivered by paraprofessional providers. Beneficiaries must register in ECHO to participate in the Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration.
This demonstration provides information that will enable the DoD to determine the following:
- If there is increased access to these services
- If the services are reaching the beneficiaries most likely to benefit from them
- If the quality of these services meets the appropriate standard of care currently accepted by the professional community of providers, including the Behavior Analyst Certification BoardTM
- That state licensure and certification requirements, where applicable, are being met
The Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration allows non-certified paraprofessional providers or tutors to provide autism services (in particular, ABA), under the supervision of TRICARE-authorized certified therapists, to ADFMs in the United States. The demonstration is effective for services provided on and between March 15, 2008, and March 14, 2012. Non-certified tutors may provide ABA services under close supervision. Authorized supervisors are required to direct and oversee tutors who provide “hands-on” work and must verify that tutors are trained and able to perform the services required to treat individuals with autism. Note: Allowed costs for Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration services count toward the ECHO cost limit of $36,000 per beneficiary, per FY. Visit TRICARE's ECHO web portal for details.
For more information about the Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration, refer to the TRICARE Operations Manual, Chapter 20, Section 10. You may also visit the TRICARE Special Needs web section or visit the Autism Demonstration portal. |
