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 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.

Exceptional Family Member Program

The Navy's Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to assist sailors by addressing the special needs of their exceptional family members during the assignment process. Special needs include any special medical, dental, mental health, developmental or educational requirement, wheelchair accessibility, adaptive equipment or assistive technology devices and services.

The goal of the EFMP is to ensure the special needs of the EFM can be met at a new assignment location. EFMP enrollment information enables Navy detailers to proactively consider a family member's special need requirements during the assignment process and to pinpoint the assignment to a location with appropriate resources that address the special needs.

Successful implementation requires up-to-date enrollment information and extensive coordination among the personnel, medical, and educational communities. Hampton Roads is considered a major medical area. 

EFMP enrollment is mandatory and required immediately upon identification of a special need. DD Form 2792, Exceptional Family Member Medical and Educational Summary and DD Form 2792-1, Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention Summary are used for enrollment. These forms can be found on the Military Homefront website. Applications are also available at NMC Portsmouth, branch medical clinics, and Fleet & Family Support Centers.

Command POCs and Navy Medical Treatment Facility EFMP coordinators can assist service and family members with the enrollment process.

Incapacitated Dependent Program

This program allows you to extend military ID card privileges for children over age 21. Adult children must be unmarried, disabled before age 21, and incapable of self-support. For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command (PERS-352E).

Relocation Tips (Prior to leaving your area)

Obtain consults (including prescriptions for therapies) from any specialists your family members are seeing at your current Medical Treatment Facility. Ensure that you have copies of all medical records.

When relocating with school-age children enrolled in the EFMP, it is suggested you hand carry the following:

• A copy of the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan
• A summary of education activities and performances for the current school year
• Medical and diagnostic records maintained by the previous school
• Notes to/from school or medical personnel
• Homework and classwork samples

FFSC EFMP Liaison

The FFSC EFMP Liaison provides a general understanding of the EFMP Program, its benefits, and enrollment process. The EFMP Liaison can answer questions, provide appropriate referrals and maintain communication with EFMP families. If you have any questions regarding EFMP, resources, medical care or support available in the area, please contact the FFSC Oceana EFMP Liaison at 757-433-2912.