๐ก๏ธ Now Accepting TRICARE Insurance
TRICARE Insurance for ABA Therapy in Florida
Proudly supporting military families on the path to progress. We are here to make accessing quality ABA services as smooth as possible for the families who serve our country.
GET STARTED โIf you are a military family seeking Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for your child, Hope Center for Behavior Change is here for you. We accept TRICARE insurance and are committed to walking alongside you through every step of the process.
We understand that navigating insurance, referrals, and authorizations can feel overwhelming โ especially while managing the unique demands of military life. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
๐ก๏ธ Does TRICARE Cover ABA Therapy?
Yes. TRICARE covers ABA therapy through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD), a program administered by the Department of Defense. The ACD provides coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis services for all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The ACD began in 2014 and is currently authorized to continue through December 31, 2028. Under this program, TRICARE covers a comprehensive range of ABA services, including initial assessments, individualized therapy sessions, caregiver training, and ongoing progress evaluations.
There is no strict cap on the number of ABA sessions. Coverage is based on medical necessity as determined by your child’s individualized treatment plan. Children with ASD may receive anywhere from 10 to 40 hours of ABA therapy per week, depending on their needs and developmental goals.
โ Who Is Eligible?
TRICARE ABA therapy coverage is available to eligible beneficiaries who meet the following criteria:
๐ Your child is enrolled in an eligible TRICARE health plan (TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, or another qualifying plan)
๐ Your child has received a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from an authorized provider
๐ A referral and pre-authorization for ABA services have been submitted to your regional TRICARE contractor
Eligible beneficiaries include family members of active-duty service members, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and certain dependents. TRICARE does not impose specific age restrictions for ABA therapy โ individuals of all ages with an ASD diagnosis may be eligible.
Active-duty service members with a child diagnosed with ASD should also enroll in their service branch’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) for supplemental support.
๐ What Does TRICARE ABA Coverage Include?
Under the Autism Care Demonstration, TRICARE covers a wide range of ABA services designed to support your child’s development and your family’s involvement in the therapeutic process:
๐ Comprehensive Assessments
Initial and periodic evaluations by a BCBA to identify your child’s needs and develop a treatment plan
๐งฉ Individualized Therapy
Targeted skill-building in communication, social interaction, adaptive behavior, emotional regulation, and daily living skills
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Parent & Caregiver Training
Coaching sessions to help you implement ABA strategies at home and across settings
๐ Progress Monitoring
Regular data-driven assessments to track your child’s growth and adjust the treatment plan as needed
๐ Treatment Plan Updates
Every six months, your child’s BCBA will complete an updated assessment and request reauthorization or develop a transition plan
ABA services are authorized in six-month periods. A new referral from your child’s ASD diagnosing provider is required every two years.
๐ How to Get Started
Getting started with TRICARE-covered ABA therapy at Hope Center for Behavior Change involves a few straightforward steps. Our team will be alongside you throughout the entire process.
Obtain an ASD Diagnosis
Your child must be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by a TRICARE-authorized provider, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist, or a licensed psychologist with the appropriate specialty.
Get a Referral & Pre-Authorization
Your child’s diagnosing provider will submit a referral to your regional TRICARE contractor for authorization. In Florida, TRICARE East is managed by Humana Military. All ABA services require pre-authorization before they can begin.
Complete Baseline Outcome Measures
Before your child can begin ABA services, you and your child’s provider team will complete four baseline outcome measures. These help monitor your child’s progress throughout treatment.
Begin ABA Therapy
Once authorized, your child will receive an initial assessment from a BCBA at Hope Center for Behavior Change. From there, we will develop an individualized treatment plan and begin therapy โ in your home, in the community, or in the setting that best supports your child’s growth.
๐ Why Military Families Choose Hope Center for Behavior Change
We know that military life comes with unique challenges. Frequent relocations, deployments, and the demands of service can make finding consistent, compassionate care difficult. That is why we are committed to providing ABA therapy that meets your family where you are.
๐ก๏ธ TRICARE-Accepted Provider
We work directly with TRICARE to minimize out-of-pocket costs and simplify billing for your family
๐ BCBA-Led Programs
All programs are developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and implemented by trained Registered Behavioral Technicians
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family-Centered Approach
We empower the entire family with strategies and support that carry over into everyday life
๐ Flexible Service Locations
Therapy in-home, in the community, and in school settings to support generalization across environments
๐ Compassionate, Child-Led Therapy
Modern, evidence-based ABA that respects your child’s dignity, autonomy, and individuality
๐ Serving Florida Families
Locations in West Palm Beach and Temple Terrace โ accessible to military families across South Florida and the Tampa Bay area
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Does TRICARE cover ABA therapy for all ages?
Yes. TRICARE does not impose specific age limits on ABA therapy. Coverage is available for individuals of all ages who have an ASD diagnosis and meet the eligibility requirements of the Autism Care Demonstration.
How many hours of ABA therapy does TRICARE cover?
TRICARE does not set a fixed weekly hour limit. The number of hours is based on medical necessity as determined by your child’s individualized treatment plan. Typically, children may receive between 10 and 40 hours per week depending on their needs.
What TRICARE plans cover ABA therapy?
ABA therapy through the ACD is available to beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE For Life, TRICARE Young Adult, and other eligible TRICARE plan options. A referral and pre-authorization are required under all plans.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. All TRICARE plans require a referral to the Autism Care Demonstration and pre-authorization for ABA services. Your child’s ASD diagnosing provider will submit the referral to your regional contractor.
What costs will I be responsible for?
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific TRICARE plan. Active-duty family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime typically pay a copayment per visit. TRICARE also has an annual catastrophic cap โ the most your family pays out of pocket in a given year. You will pay one copayment for all ABA services received on the same day.
Can my child continue ABA therapy if we relocate?
Yes. TRICARE coverage for ABA therapy is available across all U.S. states. If your family receives orders to a new duty station, your child can continue services with a new TRICARE-authorized provider. We can help coordinate the transition to ensure continuity of care.
๐ Schedule a Free Consultation
At Hope Center for Behavior Change, our ABA programs are developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and implemented by Registered Behavioral Technicians. We are here to support your military family with compassionate, evidence-based care.
๐ Call Us
๐ง Email Us
๐ West Palm Beach
750 South Military Trail Suite D-E
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
๐ Temple Terrace
7320 East Fletcher Ave
Temple Terrace, FL 33637
