Health Care/Special Needs

Whether this is your first move, or you’re a seasoned professional, moving can be a challenge. A little planning and preparation can help make your move as easy as possible. Try the following Defense Department resources to help you get organized:

• PCS & Military Moves on Military OneSource.mil provides comprehensive moving resources, information and services all in one simple location
• Plan My Move, an online tool that helps break down the moving process into clear, customizable steps, with checklists to help keep you organized and on track
• EFMP & Me, an online tool to help you plan for transition and continuity of support services for your family member(s) with special needs

Make sure your transition is as smooth as possible by visiting Moving on the TRICARE website. Talk to your medical case manager before you move. They can help you find a new doctor and other resources to avoid any interruptions in coverage.

On arrival at your new duty location, you or your sponsor can contact the Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator at the military treatment facility. They can help if you have questions or need assistance with authorizations for TRICARE Extended Care Health Option, or ECHO, services.

All TRICARE regional offices and most military treatment facilities are staffed with beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinators who educate beneficiaries and help with TRICARE-related eligibility, enrollment, referrals/authorizations and claims processing questions. If you or your family has more complex needs, contact your TRICARE case manager.

TRICARE debt collection assistance officers are assigned to regional offices and military treatment facilities worldwide. DCAOs assist with confirmed debt collection due to unpaid TRICARE claims. Please note, the debt must be in collections or listed on your credit report.

Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible individuals and families with low incomes or with special needs. The department of social services or the department of medical assistance may administer the Medicaid program in your state. Supplemental Security Income is a cash assistance program intended to assist adults and children with special needs who have limited resources. Families must reapply after moving to a new state.

Medicaid waivers are state-specific Medicaid programs that provide funding for long-term care services to be provided in the community instead of in nursing homes or hospitals. There may be waitlists for waivers, however many states have agreed to the policy of allowing active-duty military families to enroll in their state of legal residence to get on the wait list.

Learn more about Benefits for Families With Special Needs, or review the Government Assistance Programs course on MilLife Learning.

The TRICARE Extended Care Health Option provides supplemental services to:

• Family members of active-duty service personnel (this includes activated National Guard and reserve service personnel)
• Family members who are covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program
• Children or spouses of former service members who are victims of abuse and qualify for the Transitional Compensation Program
• Family members of deceased active-duty sponsors while they are considered transitional survivors.

The qualifying family member’s disability must be entered properly in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System to have access to TRICARE ECHO services.

For qualifying medical and/or educational special needs, TRICARE ECHO offers integrated services and supplies beyond those offered by your TRICARE program option (such as TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select). See this TRICARE ECHO factsheet for more information, or listen to this TRICARE ECHO webinar on Military OneSource.

Military hospitals and clinics are found at military bases and posts around the world. They are also referred to as military treatment facilities. Before you move, find out your new military treatment facility and contact them for local information.

Medical case management involves a team of health care professionals who help you and your family find solutions to complex health problems. It is important to let your medical case manager know if you are moving. They can help you connect with a medical case manager at your new location. Learn more about TRICARE case management services.

If your family member has special transportation needs for the move, such as oxygen or a special bed or wheelchair, contact your TRICARE medical case manager. They can advise you on equipment and transportation.

You can also contact your current installation’s household goods/transportation office (outbound) for information on special procedures for transporting medical equipment.

Families arriving at Eglin with an open Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) case should check in with the Special Needs office upon arrival. EFMP has changed their name to Special Needs Identification Assessment Coordination Program (SNIACP) and is for special education considerations, unique medical requirements, or other similar needs. SNIP is designed to ensure that active duty AF families with special needs are stationed near facilities that can provide the necessary medical or educational services.

The current Special Needs and Assignment Coordination process supports personnel assignments. When families relocate, the process is critical to determine the availability of services for spouses and children with special needs. The process links the services of the Military Personnel Flights, the Medical Treatment Facilities, and the Airman & Family Readiness Centers.

Members with a special needs family member should be enrolled in the Special Needs Identification Assignment and Coordination Program through the Life Skills Support Center. This office maintains a listing of local and national resources. The office is located in the Eglin Hospital, second floor, suite 114.

Appointments are required. At your initial appointment you will be assessed for enrollment and offered appropriate referrals.

The Eglin AFB community offers numerous services for individuals with special needs. The First Call for Help contact is an excellent starting point to locate available resources: 850-243-9111 (Okaloosa County).

Special Needs Children Arriving at Eglin AFB should bring copies of all paperwork including:

• Medical records to include DD Form 2792 if necessary
• School records to include DD Form 2792-1 and IEP if necessary
• Documentation of how child was tested (results are valid for 3 years from date of test)

For Educational Needs:

• If under age 3, contact Early Childhood Intervention at Eglin Family Advocacy 850-883-8616.
• If over age 3, contact Okaloosa County School District at 850-833-3100. Contact principal of school to request an appointment with the school guidance counselor to schedule an assessment.

For Childcare Needs:

• For on-base childcare or before/after school care, must provide a note from base doctor indicating any necessary modifications to environment, staffing, or activities. There is not an additional charge for special needs children.
• For off-base childcare or before/after school care, details vary depending upon child's needs and resources at the center. Care may not be available at some centers. There may be an extra charge.

For Medical Needs

• For enrollment in the SPECIAL NEEDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (formerly EFMP), contact the Eglin AFB Special Needs Office at 850-883-9459 or DSN 312-875- 9459.