ABA Therapy for Military Families Through TRICARE
Behavioral Innovations is a TRICARE-approved ABA therapy provider serving military families across 120+ locations nationwide. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your child.
Coverage is available through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD). Our intake team will verify your benefits and walk you through every step before the first appointment.
ABA therapy covered through the Autism Care Demonstration
TRICARE covers ABA therapy for beneficiaries with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD). Behavioral Innovations is a TRICARE-approved provider and can serve your family at any of our 120+ locations.
Coverage applies whether you are enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. The plan type affects your cost structure but does not change whether ABA is covered or how care is accessed.
If your family is relocating or switching from another ABA provider, we can coordinate a transfer with minimal disruption to your child's care.
What is required before starting ABA through TRICARE
Effective October 1, 2021, TRICARE requires two items before a family can enroll in the Autism Care Demonstration and begin ABA services.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Checklist
A completed DSM-5 Diagnostic Checklist must accompany all ABA referrals. This form must be completed by the referring provider. ABA providers, including Behavioral Innovations, cannot complete this form on your behalf.
ABA providers cannot complete the DSM-5 checklist. This must come from your referring provider.
Results from an approved assessment tool
Results from at least one TRICARE-approved standardized autism assessment tool must be included with the referral package.
Who can diagnose and refer for ABA under TRICARE
TRICARE limits who may provide the diagnosis and issue an ABA referral. Your primary care manager or an authorized specialist must initiate the referral.
Approved primary care managers (PCMs)
Authorized specialists
We verify your TRICARE benefits within one business day
Our intake team contacts TRICARE, confirms your coverage, and calls you with a clear breakdown of what to expect before your child's first appointment.
What TRICARE covers through the ACD
Switching from another ABA provider is possible with minimal disruption to your child's therapy. Transfers between Behavioral Innovations centers are also permitted if your family relocates.
Covered services
Not covered
We handle the TRICARE process so you can focus on your child
You do not need to understand the ACD enrollment requirements before you call. Our intake advocates verify coverage, explain what to expect, and guide you through every step.
Call (855) 782-7822Benefit verification within one business day
We contact TRICARE, confirm your ACD coverage, and call you with a written breakdown of expected costs before your child's first visit.
Prior authorizations submitted and tracked
Our team files initial authorizations and renewal requests and flags upcoming expirations before they affect your child's services.
Claims filed and followed
We submit claims directly to TRICARE and work any denials on your behalf so coverage gaps do not fall on you.
Smooth transfers if you relocate
If your family moves, we can transfer care to another Behavioral Innovations center and coordinate any re-authorization TRICARE requires.
TRICARE and ABA therapy: frequently asked questions
Is Behavioral Innovations a TRICARE-approved ABA provider?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
What is the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD)?
TRICARE covers ABA through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) for eligible beneficiaries with an autism diagnosis.
What does my child need before starting ABA through TRICARE?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
Can Behavioral Innovations complete the DSM-5 Diagnostic Checklist?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
Who can refer my child for ABA services under TRICARE?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
Does it matter whether we have TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
Do ABA out-of-pocket costs count toward our annual catastrophic cap?
Cost shares vary by TRICARE plan and sponsor status; active duty families generally have no cost share for ACD services.
Are school-based services covered by TRICARE?
Covered services generally include medically necessary ABA under the ACD. Non-covered items depend on TRICARE policy and are listed on this page.
Can we switch to Behavioral Innovations from another ABA provider?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
What happens if we move to a different state?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
What services does Behavioral Innovations offer under TRICARE?
Contact our intake team for details specific to your plan. We verify benefits at no charge and explain expected costs before care begins.
How quickly does Behavioral Innovations verify TRICARE benefits?
We verify TRICARE benefits, typically within one business day, and explain next steps before services begin.
Questions about TRICARE coverage for ABA therapy?
Our intake team walks every family through their TRICARE benefits and the ACD enrollment process before the first appointment. No pressure, no obligation.
- TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration experience
- Help with referrals and authorizations
- Clear next steps for military families
- No-cost benefits check
Talk to Our Intake Team
We help TRICARE families navigate Autism Care Demonstration requirements.