Tricare reps reach out to providers during National Conference on Autism Published Feb. 10, 2009 FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- Officials from Tricare's regional offices and managed care contractors were among the exhibitors at the 2009 Autism Conference Feb. 6 to 8 in Jacksonville, Fla. Their mission was to educate attendees about the Tricare Autism Demonstration Project. Representatives from Tricare's managed care support contractors were available to talk about the demonstration project and enroll qualified providers. Eligible beneficiaries in attendance from across the country also learned how they can participate in the demonstration. Sponsored by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, the 2009 conference was a three-day, single track event that included expert panel sessions and featured presenters from around the world. The Department of Defense autism services demonstration, which is part of Tricare's extended care health option, or ECHO, benefit, is designed to increase access to applied behavior analysis, or ABA, therapy for eligible Tricare beneficiaries by allowing reimbursement for ABA therapy delivered by paraprofessional providers, or tutors, employed and supervised by board-certified behavior analysts and board-certified assistant behavior analysts. As of January 2009 there were nearly 1,000 supervisors and tutors nationwide to provide services to beneficiaries enrolled in the autism services demonstration project. Approximately 8,500 Tricare beneficiaries are currently eligible for services. Beneficiaries and providers are encouraged to read the latest ECHO and Autism blog posted by Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director of the Tricare Management Activity. Click here for additional information on Tricare's autism services demonstration and other special Tricare programs.