#United States #Washington #Autism Services #TRICARE #NCAAS

Landmark Report Advocates Better Autism Care

The National Coalition for Access to Autism Services (NCAAS) has expressed strong approval of a recent pivotal report issued by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This comprehensive document underscores the necessity for the military's healthcare system to include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a mandatory benefit under TRICARE for families affected by autism.

This report titled "The Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Solutions for Military Families", spans 336 pages and represents a significant shift in addressing autism care for military families. Previously, the Department of Defense dismissed ABA as unnecessary; however, this new analysis denotes ABA as an essential service for many autistic individuals.

A Moment of Change

Mike Moran, the NCAAS chairman, emphasized the importance of the report for military families, stating, "This report is a watershed moment for our military families." The findings advocate for discontinuing the existing autism care program under the Department of Defense and endorsing ABA as a primary benefit for those insured by TRICARE.

Currently, TRICARE is noted for its inadequate coverage of ABA, treating it as merely a temporary program. Comparatively, other health plans, including those from commercial insurers, Medicaid programs, and self-funded employer plans, provide comprehensive coverage for ABA. The lack of support from TRICARE has been a point of contention for military families who rely on these services for their loved ones.

The recommendations from the National Academies report aim to eliminate restrictions around ABA services, which currently exist in schools and community settings. These limitations often prevent families from utilizing vital therapy necessary for the management of maladaptive behaviors and daily living skills of children with autism.

Critical Recommendations for Military Families

Among the identified necessities, the report suggests removing current barriers that inhibit medically essential ABA services in various environments, including educational institutions. Furthermore, it allows for reimbursement of specialized services that may require higher staff-to-client ratios and essential crisis intervention measures proposed by ABA providers.

NCAAS has been advocating for these changes since identifying flawed data presented by the Department of Defense in 2018, which claimed inefficiencies in the autism care demonstration program. Their concerns reflect a broader recognition of systemic shortcomings within the military healthcare framework related to autism care.

For years, military families were misled by the Defense Health Agency's assertion that data indicated ABA as ineffective. Julie Kornack, an NCAAS board member, highlighted this misperception, emphasizing that the failures were due to incorrect measurement techniques employed by TRICARE rather than the therapy itself. "Military families deserve better, and this report makes clear the system must change," she stated.

About NCAAS

The National Coalition for Access to Autism Services (NCAAS) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for access to evidence-based autism treatment. Its members serve a diverse demographic of families grappling with autism spectrum disorder, working closely with TRICARE and various health programs to ensure improved service delivery. Their ongoing mission is to ensure that families receive the comprehensive care that is their right.

Conclusion

As the momentum from this landmark report grows, it signifies a transformative period for military families seeking autism care. With the national spotlight firmly fixed on these vital reforms, advocates like NCAAS continue to lead the charge, urging for a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of all families in the military community dealing with autism. The future of autism care for military families holds promise, driven by this newfound recognition and advocacy.