Tricare ABA Changes to affect Families and Providers

Autism Speaks is analyzing the new program and has requested input from TRICARE beneficiaries and ABA providers on the changes.
 "We urge military families and ABA providers to email us their input and recommendations at militaryfamilies@autismspeaks.org."
The new demonstration program sets an October 20 implementation date.

***We will be sending the signatures to Autism Speaks as part of their review. By signing, you are petitioning Tricare to re-evaluate the changes they are putting in place because the pay-cut and restrictions for BCBAs and BCaBAs will decrease the services for Military children with Autism. One on one services from a certified BCBA and BCaBA are needed by some children on the spectrum. The pay-cut and restrictions will not allow for this and services may be needed for longer periods, costing the Insurance companies even more in the long run.

To whom it may concern, We are petitioning Tricare to re-evaluate the changes they are putting in place.The affected are too many. Our military service men and women sacrifice their lives daily for the United States of America, and their families need the United States to step up and make a difference in the lives of their children affected with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The pay-cut and restrictions for BCBAs and BCaBAs will decrease the services for Military children with Autism.


Some children on the spectrum need one-on-one services from a certified BCBA and BCaBA. The pay-cut and restrictions will not allow for this, and services may be needed for longer periods, costing the Insurance companies even more in the long run. Following the BACB credentials should be the goal. The BACB explains what a Behavior Analyst, Assistant Behavior Analyst and Registered Behavioral Technician are trained to do. Please find the explanations of each credentialed, pulled from www.BACB.com, here:


Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®, BCBA-DTM): The BCBA and BCBA-D are independent practitioners who also may work as employees or independent contractors for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases. The BCBA seeks the consultation of more experienced practitioners when necessary. The BCBA teaches others to carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs and delivers instruction in behavior analysis. BCBAs supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and others who implement behavior analytic interventions.


Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®): The BCaBA conducts descriptive behavioral assessments and is able to interpret the results and design ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions for clients. The BCaBA designs and oversees interventions in familiar cases (e.g., similar to those encountered during their training) that are consistent with the dimensions of applied behavior analysis. The BCaBA obtains technical direction from a BCBA for unfamiliar situations. The BCaBA is able to teach others to carry out interventions and supervise behavioral technicians once the BCaBA has demonstrated competency with the procedures involved under the direct supervision of a BCBA. The BCaBA may assist a BCBA with the design and delivery of introductory level instruction in behavior analysis. It is mandatory that each BCaBA practice under the supervision of a BCBA. Governmental entities, third-party insurance plans and others utilizing BCaBAs must require this supervision.


Registered Behavior TechnicianTM (RBTTM): The RBT is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA (“designated RBT supervisor”). The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction plans developed by the supervisor. The RBT may also collect data and conduct certain types of assessments (e.g., stimulus preference assessments). The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans. It is the responsibility of the designated RBT supervisor to determine which tasks an RBT may perform as a function of his or her training, experience, and competence. The designated RBT supervisor is ultimately responsible for the work performed by the RBT. DISCLAIMER:The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (“BACB”) does not sponsor, approve or endorse this message, the materials, information or sessions identified herein.

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