Extension of the Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration for TRICARE Eligible Beneficiaries Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This notice provides a five-year extension to the Military Health System's demonstration project entitled Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration (``Autism Care Demonstration''). The initial purpose of the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) was to further analyze and evaluate the appropriateness of the ABA services tiered delivery model under TRICARE (the medical benefit) in light of current and anticipated Behavior Analyst Certification Board guidelines. Based on the agency's experience in administering ABA services under the ACD, including engagement with beneficiaries, providers, advocates, associations, and other payers, much more analysis and experience is required in order to determine the appropriate characterization of ABA services as a medical treatment, or other modalities, under the TRICARE program coverage requirements--to include further research and evaluation of the results, whether Board Certified Behavior Analysts may appropriately be recognized and treated as independent TRICARE authorized providers of a proven medical benefit, and what authorities are required to add ABA services as a permanent benefit under the TRICARE program--whether as a proven medical benefit or otherwise.