Does TRICARE Cover ABA Therapy?
Published April 8, 2026
Yes — TRICARE covers ABA therapy for military families with dependents who have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. ABA therapy has been a covered TRICARE benefit since 2008. Here's how the coverage works and how military families can access it.
Key takeaways
- TRICARE has covered ABA therapy for autism since the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007
- Coverage applies to all TRICARE plan types (Prime, Select, Overseas, and others)
- No age limit on TRICARE ABA coverage — dependents of all ages can qualify
- An Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) program provides enhanced ABA benefits
- Prior authorization required — work with a TRICARE-authorized ABA provider
TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration (ACD)
The TRICARE Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) is a special program that provides enhanced ABA benefits beyond standard TRICARE coverage. The ACD covers:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy
- Behavioral health treatment services
- Intensive outpatient services for autism
- Respite care for eligible families
To access the ACD, your dependent must have a confirmed autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and be enrolled in an eligible TRICARE plan.
Which TRICARE plans cover ABA?
ABA therapy is a covered benefit under all major TRICARE plan types:
- TRICARE Prime — the HMO-style plan; referral from primary care manager required
- TRICARE Select — the PPO-style plan; greater flexibility in choosing providers
- TRICARE for Life — for retirees eligible for Medicare
- TRICARE Overseas — for families stationed outside the US
- US Family Health Plan — also covers ABA in select regions
How to access ABA through TRICARE
- Get an autism diagnosis from a TRICARE-authorized provider — a licensed psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist.
- Enroll in the Autism Care Demonstration by contacting your TRICARE regional contractor (Humana Military or Health Net Federal Services).
- Find a TRICARE-authorized ABA provider using FindABA or the TRICARE provider finder at tricare.mil.
- Your ABA provider submits prior authorization through the TRICARE portal.
- Services begin once authorized. Cost-shares may apply depending on your plan type.
TRICARE regions and contractors
TRICARE is administered by regional contractors:
- Humana Military — East region (including much of the eastern US)
- Health Net Federal Services — West region
TRICARE resources
- TRICARE ABA information: tricare.mil/autismcaredemonstration
- TRICARE beneficiary helpline: 1-844-866-9378
- Humana Military: humanamiltary.com
- ECHO Program (extended benefits): tricare.mil/echo
Find ABA providers that accept TRICARE
FindABA lets you search for ABA therapy providers by insurance — including TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and providers enrolled in the Autism Care Demonstration.
Search ABA providers →