Ethical Advocacy for Autistic Beneficiaries: 

TRICARE Challenges and Solutions

Original Air Date: June 6, 2022

Short Title: Ethical Advocacy: TRICARE Challenges and Solutions

CEU offered: 1.0 Ethics CEU

Webinar Duration: 60 minutes

CE Instructors:

  • Rebecca Womack, MS, BCBA, LBA
  • Judith Ursitti


Learning Objectives:

  1. Attendees will understand ethical principles that apply to advocacy on behalf of caregivers and clients.
  2. Attendees will understand ethical standards that apply to activities related to advocacy.


Abstract:

Significant changes to the TRICARE Operations Manual (TOM), Chapter 18, Section 4, policies pertaining to the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) program occurred in early 2021. For example, there are limited billable activities permitted for code 97155, service settings are restricted to homes and clinics, and adaptive daily living skills are excluded from being treatment targets by providers. Furthermore, an average decrease of 3% in the reimbursement rate for code 97153 was implemented on May 1, 2022.

The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) will provide an overview of the current advocacy strategies in place to support providers, discuss current requests being shared with key legislative stakeholders, and provide a framework for grassroots advocacy efforts. Through strategic collaboration, provider concerns can be systematically scaled and through aligned messaging. Attendees will be equipped with information to share with their state and federal offices and guidance on ways to ethically engage with TRICARE policymakers.


Instructor(s)

MS, BCBA, LBA Rebecca Womack

Rebecca several years of experience rendering services via telehealth as well as researched this topic when advocating on behalf of providers and military families in DC regarding the TRICARE ABA benefit.
 Rebecca has been privileged to serve adults and children using ABA in a variety of capacities. From facility-based care, to working in group homes, daycare centers, schools, and family homes, her experience includes implementing evidence-based therapy across multiple settings. As part of this, she has traveled across the United States and overseas to provide consultation for families with children and adults who have autism. Rebecca currently serves as the Director of Clinical Compliance for Blue Sprig Pediatrics, Inc. There she works collaboratively with a team of interdisciplinary professionals to create quality assurance policies and ensure that related processes are ethically and contractually aligned with health plan standards.