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 War 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.

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).

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 healthcare 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.

Navy Specific

Supporting Our Navy Families: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam EFMP Services

The Department of War is fully committed to supporting military families who have dependents with specialized medical, educational or emotional needs, though the availability of specific services can vary by geographic location. At Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the Military and Family Support Center Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, Case Liaisons stand ready to assist Navy families in navigating the unique challenges of military life. These dedicated professionals provide critical, non-clinical case management, which includes conducting comprehensive needs assessments, offering one-on-one consultations and developing personalized individualized service plans to ensure families receive targeted care and assistance.

In addition to direct family support, EFMP Case Liaisons offer systems navigation and vital referrals to both military and local community resources. They also actively strengthen the command structure by conducting EFMP Command Point of Contact training, which equips leadership and service members with the tools necessary to support subordinates with exceptional family members. Beyond command training, the team hosts informative EFMP Overviews for service members, their families and community partners, as well as the EFMP Family Strengthening Series, which features rotating educational topics open to anyone interested in gaining new insights. To access these services or to obtain more information, please contact the JBPHH EFMP Case Liaisons directly at 808-474-1999, or via email at mfschawaii@us.navy.mil or efmp-cnrh@us.navy.mil.

Air Force Specific

Check in with the Life Skills Flight if you have a family member enrolled in the Special Needs Program. This program assists families with special needs to obtain required medical and educational services and ensures these families have access to necessary services when reassigned. They will also assist families in finding appropriate medical, social and educational services.

The Special Needs Program Team offers assistance with Dependent Relocation Clearances, Facility Determination Inquiries, Special Needs Program Reassignments and Deferments, and Special Needs Housing Requirements.

Referrals for families enrolled in the Special Needs Program, i.e., respite care for families facing financial challenges via the Air and Space Forces Aid Society, are also completed with the Life Skills Flight.