WASHINGTON, DC (October 9, 2014) -- The Department of Defense has announced it will delay a planned cut in what it pays providers through TRICARE to deliver applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment to military kids with autism.
The new demonstration program allows coverage of BCBA/BCBA-D direct services and the tiered-service delivery model, which includes BCaBAs and Behavior Technicians, by consolidating existing programs under one uniform benefit for all TRICARE beneficiaries with autism.
The cut in reimbursement was among a series of changes included in TRICARE's new consolidated ABA benefit for beneficiaries that is scheduled to take effect October 20.
In a statement, a Department of Defense spokesperson confirmed that TRICARE will delay any ABA reimbursement rate changes until April 20, 2015.
"The Department understands the concerns caused by the rate change," the DoD said. "In order to address these concerns, the Department has commissioned an independent review of the Demonstration."
Autism Speaks responded to the announcement as a positive sign.
"We are encouraged to see the DoD respond to the concerns of families and providers and look forward to working with the Department to ensure the final policies meet the needs of families, align with best practices, and provides for timely and affordable services," said Karen Driscoll, Autism Speaks' associate director for federal government affairs & military relations.