Fort Rucker  Exceptional Family Member Program

If you anticipate a move to another TRICARE region, learn the steps you should take to make sure your transition is as smooth as possible by visiting Moving. On arrival at the new duty location, you or your sponsor can contact the Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator, or BCAC, at the military treatment facility if you have questions or need assistance to obtain authorizations for TRICARE Extended Care Health Option services, if applicable.

All TRICARE regional offices and most military treatment facilities are staffed with beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinators, or BCAC, who can provide help with understanding your health care benefit and guidance on getting the services needed. If you or your family member has more severe needs, contact your TRICARE case manager.

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

Many states offer services for children with special health care needs funded by the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, or Title V. State departments of health websites and local health departments can provide information on state health benefits. The Maternal and Child Health Bureau website has more information, including state points of contact.

The Extended Care Health Option provides financial assistance to beneficiaries of active-duty service members who qualify based on specific mental or physical disabilities. The Extended Care Health Option offers an integrated set of services and supplies beyond the basic TRICARE program. Regional contractors in each of the TRICARE regions and overseas administer the program.

The clinics and services available at military treatment facilities vary by location. Before you move, identify the military treatment facility that will serve you, visit its website to learn about the services available and get contact information.

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 inform your case manager if you are moving as he or she will connect you with the case manager at your new location.

Contact your installation’s household goods/transportation office for information on special procedures for the transportation of medical equipment.

TRICARE debt collection assistance officers, or DCAO, are assigned to regional offices and military treatment facilities worldwide and can help beneficiaries understand and get assistance with debt collection issues related to TRICARE.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support, and personnel services to families with special needs.

An Exceptional Family Member (EFM) is a dependent (child or adult) of an active duty Soldier who has any physical, emotional, developmental or intellectual impairment that requires any specialized treatment, therapy, training, or counseling.

Enrollment

EFMP enrollment is conducted at Lyster Army Health Clinic's EFMP. Soldiers inprocessing to Fort Rucker are screened for special needs. All active duty soldiers with identified EFMs must apply for EFMP enrollment. Failure to apply for enrollment may result in reassignment to a location that cannot meet a family member's special medical/educational needs. Sanctions may be imposed against soldiers who knowingly conceal information about an EFM and fail or refuse to apply for enrollment. Enrollment does not adversely affect selection for promotions, schools, or assignments. Information concerning enrollment in EFMP or any of the data used in the program is not made available to selection boards.

The Army will consider the special needs of enrolled EFMs during the assignment process and will attempt to assign the soldier to an area where the needs of the family member can be met.

Special Education -- Special education needs are only considered in assignments outside the United States. Assignments within our 50 States and Trust Territories are not based on the educational needs of children. Every local school system must obey public laws regarding the provision of special education.

The EFMP suggests that transferring soldiers with school-aged EFM's hand-carry the following when they PCS:

• A copy of the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP)or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• A summary of educational activities, copies of any assessments/evaluations that have been performed, medical and diagnostic records, progress reports/report cards.
• Medical records
• shot records
• birth certificates 
• a 90-day supply of any needed medication and/or medical supplies

The EFMP Manager can assist your family in relocating and becoming knowledgeable about the installation and the surrounding community's resources and support services.

Lyster Army Health Clinic (LAHC) is a half mile from the post housing area. LAHC has no Emergency Room and specialties are limited.