TRICARE Coverage for Wild Divine Band & Soul Flight
## Quick answer The **8635239 Wild Divine Band / Soul Flight** refers to a consumer-grade biofeedback system and software package designed for stress management and wellness. Under current TRICARE policy, these specific devices are generally **not covered** because they are classified as recreational or educational equipment rather than medically necessary Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
## In detail The Wild Divine Band (and associated software like Soul Flight) utilizes sensors to track heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance to guide users through "active feedback" relaxation exercises. While biofeedback is a recognized therapeutic technique, TRICARE’s guidelines for coverage are strict regarding the hardware used.
### Why it isn't covered TRICARE.com is an independent reference site; official policy at TRICARE.mil dictates that for a device to be covered, it must meet the definition of Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The Wild Divine system typically fails these criteria because: * **Medical Necessity:** It is marketed primarily as a wellness or gaming product rather than a clinical tool for a specific diagnosed condition. * **Professional Supervision:** TRICARE generally only covers biofeedback when administered by a TRICARE-authorized provider during an office visit (e.g., for migraines or Raynaud's syndrome). * **Home Use Restrictions:** Most home-use biofeedback machines are considered "convenience items" or "educational" by the Defense Health Agency (DHA).
### TRICARE Biofeedback Coverage (2026 Policy) While the "Wild Divine Band" is excluded, biofeedback as a *service* is covered under specific conditions: * **Conditions:** Covered for treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome, migraine headaches, and certain cases of urinary incontinence. * **Provider Requirements:** Must be performed by a TRICARE-authorized professional (Physical Therapist, Psychologist, etc.). * **Costs:** If covered as an in-office treatment, the cost depends on your plan: * **TRICARE Prime:** $0 copay for active duty; varies for retirees (approx. $25–$35 for specialty visits in 2026). * **TRICARE Select:** Outpatient specialty visit copays apply (e.g., ~$50–$65 for Group A retirees in 2026).
### The Role of Contractors If you are attempting to seek an exception for a biofeedback device, you must contact your regional contractor: * **East Region:** Humana Military. * **West Region:** TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** May find these tools available at "Resiliency Centers" on-base, but they cannot use TRICARE funds to purchase them for private home use. * **Beneficiaries with Chronic Migraines:** May be eligible for clinical biofeedback sessions, but not for the reimbursement of the Wild Divine hardware. * **Retirees and Family Members:** Must pay 100% out-of-pocket for "Soul Flight" software or Wild Divine hardware as they are considered retail wellness products.
Common scenarios
**Scenario 1: The Wellness Purchase** An Army spouse buys the Wild Divine Band and Soul Flight software for $150 to help with daily anxiety. Because this was not prescribed as part of a clinical treatment plan for a covered condition, **TRICARE pays $0**, and the spouse is responsible for the full $150.
**Scenario 2: Clinical Biofeedback for Migraines** A retired Navy Commander in the West Region (TriWest) is referred to a specialist for biofeedback to treat severe migraines. The specialist uses clinical-grade equipment in the office. The Commander pays a **$40 copay (2026 Select rate)** per session, and TRICARE covers the rest. He asks to be reimbursed for a home Wild Divine kit; **TriWest denies the claim** per DHA guidelines.
## Related terms * **Durable Medical Equipment (DME):** Specific hardware that can withstand repeated use and is primarily used to serve a medical purpose. * **Biofeedback:** A technique used to learn how to control some of your body's functions, such as your heart rate. * **Exclusion:** A service or item that TRICARE does not cover under any circumstances. * **TPCP (Third Party Care Provider):** Specialized clinics where biofeedback is more likely to be found. * **Active Feedback:** The process of seeing real-time physiological data to alter mental or physical states.
## Sources * TRICARE.mil - Biofeedback Policy: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/Biofeedback * TRICARE Systems Manual - DME Definitions: https://manuals.health.mil/ * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): https://www.triwest.com * Humana Military (East Region): https://www.humanamilitary.com/